Eleanor, Age 69
I live in Adelaide, South Australia. For the first 21 years of my life I lived in a religious cult. I was born into that cult. When I left I walked into a huge social change taking place with the Vietnam War protests, the advent of the pill, Women’s Lib and a little later equal pay. I was also very fortunate that at the time of my foray into another world, our PM made university free for all.
I married, had two children then started and completed my BA. This was very important as education was withheld from me before I left home. Later I was diagnosed with life threatening Wegeners’ Granulamatosis. I recovered then my husband and I divorced. I studied for my Grad Dip Ed which qualified me as a senior English teacher. I taught for 10years. During that time I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had a cystectomy.
Health issues forced me to retire at 63. I went back to university to take Honours and this year I have finished my M.Phil.
I belong to a post graduate writing group where young people accept me unconditionally. I also go to Core Pilates twice weekly. I have a group of close friends. No grandchildren which doesn’t bother me. I am mobile and very fortunate to have found excellent medical care.
So I will be 70 next year. I love life and try not to think about the road ahead.
So many ups and downs in your life and you are still so positive. This is great! Keep it going!
Hi Eleanor,
You should be very proud of yourself on all your achievements. I wish you continuing good health and all the best as you move into your 70’s. It’s a pretty good decade for those of us who have made it this far.
Margaret (73)
Congratulations. Sounds like your attitude towards life has been a positive one – how else could you continue on in a beautiful upwards direction while facing adversity and health challenges at the same time?
I applaud you. The road ahead is the road ahead and like any road that you have not journeyed on – is a mystery of sorts. Don’t worry about it. Embrace it and do the same as you have been doing for the past 69 years – living it.
Rosemarie
Love your story you are an inspiration to women.