She’s making the most of retirement during COVID-19
I retired in December 2019 after working full-time as a registered nurse for more than 44 years, and the future had so much promise.
There were travel plans to Florida, North Carolina and New York to visit family and friends. I was playing music weekly with a close friend, attended a home concert, went hiking, attended class at Columbus Garden School, enjoyed a Valentine’s Day concert Downtown, celebrated birthdays and attended church. There were road trips, dinein dinners and lunch at restaurants, and mall shopping. I was at the gym five days a week.
But toward the end of February, a cloud began to loom over us. The coronavirus was spreading. Initially we all thought it was “just a flu,” so good hand washing and avoiding large crowds was in order. Little did we know what was ahead of us.
On March 16, the official pandemic shutdown was declared. I am not a television person, but I was glued to
the TV or computer daily at first — now weekly — to watch and listen to Gov. Mike Dewine explain the virus and how to manage things. Being a nurse, I wanted to know everything. I wanted everything explained, and so I researched the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health websites and attended web conferences. I wanted to be able to not only be safe for my family but also be able to explain things simply to others I care about.
Initially I had feelings of being “useless” now that my long career as nurse had ended and I wasn’t able to contribute like it once did. Then I was reminded that I retired at the right time because I am caring for my 91-year-old mother, who lives with me, and I am also considered “high risk” due to my age.
Early on, I made a decision to make every day count. When I retired, my initial plans — besides all the fun stuff — was to downsize, since I live in a large farmhouse on more than 4 acres. Little did I know what a true blessing living on this much land is — I get plenty of exercise walking the field, gardening and, in the summer, hanging by the pool.
I had plenty of time to clean out the barn, garage, cellar and every closet, cabinet and room in my house. I began baking bread, making homemade pizza and using all the gadgets that I have in my kitchen that had gathered dust while I worked full time. I planted a huge vegetable garden and even canned almost 68 quarts of spaghetti sauce.
And there is so much else I can do, no matter the season. I am able to reserve books from the library and do contact-free pick up. Church is on Youtube, and my church Life Group has been a lifeline to me with daily texts and weekly Zoom meetings to discuss our pastor’s message.
I have learned how to use Zoom to meet with family, friends and play music. I have been learning how to record my own music. I have reached out to family from all over the United States and Italy by telephone, email, cards and letters. I prepare a weekly meal for my adult children, whether they eat here or choose “Mom Takeout.”
With the arrival of 2021, life with the virus drags on. But there is light at the end of this tunnel. My mom just received her first vaccine and has had no ill effects. I am looking forward to my vaccination with hope of healthy, happy days ahead.
The future might look different than it did before the pandemic, but as we have adapted this past year, I trust we will go forward with confidence and hope.
Addie Cursio, 67, lives in Galloway.