Growing older and still growing

Who says we can’t have more than one career?

My friend Mary Buckner, as a young woman, worked as a night pharmacist in Chicago at Cook County Hospital. Working with her was an older gentleman who loved being a pharmacist and was highly respected by hospital staff.

All of his adult life, he had owned a radio shop that was next door to a drugstore. He became friends with the folks behind the counter and thought being a pharmacist sounded interesting, so, when he sold his shop at the age of 65, he went to pharmacy school. He graduated when he was 70.

Mary told me, “I think he was the happiest person I’ve ever known.”

Oklahoma City’s Judy Walker, in her early 40s, received her insurance license and an associate degree in banking. At 60, she passed the real estate exam. Four years ago, she went back to college and graduated with a certificate in biblical studies. The next year she completed a certificate in leadership and business.

“I always wanted to own my own business, and now at the age of 77, I am a distributor for an Essential Oils company. My brain tells me I’m too old and I need to just enjoy life — and my heart says I AM doing just that, by fulfilling my dreams and continuing to grow every day,” she said.

These two stories remind me of my friend Gene Rainbolt, who celebrates his 89th birthday today.

He continues his involvement in helping to provide educational and career opportunities to men and women of all ages, and especially to children. He invests time and money into various nonprofits. Friendship and support, a listening ear and wise guidance are available for the asking. He is the most curious person I know, and learning is a lifelong passion.

Growing older doesn’t mean we have to stop growing.