Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream” C.S Lewis
In her own words, my friend of over 30 years, Saundra Kelley (also known as SK) tells of her own journey as a Black woman 70+ Moving Forward:
I am 72 years old. And in 2016, 4 ½ years ago, I made my second major move–from Houston, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia. Moving to Houston was my first major move. I had lived in New York City (NYC) from birth to 31 years old except for forays to college and graduate school. There I was educated and trained as an actor and spent time in the business. However, my move from NYC to Houston led me to career choice number two, a manager in telecommunications. During my three decades in Houston, I raised a daughter while relying on my village–they did not disappoint. Also, I enjoyed my 3rd career as a Theatre Arts Educator. But, after I retired, I decided to make a move that initially felt more than a little scary. I had lived in Houston for over 30 years. Leaving there meant leaving a ” village” of close and wonderful friendships. But I took the leap.
I did have a bit of a parachute. I was moving to a city where my only sibling, to whom I am quite close, lived. It is the first time I have lived near family in many years. So here I am 4 ½ years later, a breath from 70, in a new city. Yes, it was a little daunting but it was also exciting. I have always been certain that I wanted a rich and purposeful life in retirement, no less so than when I was working. I also very much wanted a change of scene. I have not looked back!
Surprisingly, my new home in Atlanta has afforded me the opportunity to reunite with my first love, professional theatre – but in a different way. I became an ardent volunteer in Atlanta theatre. Retirement has also afforded me the opportunity to join and be actively involved in the mission of a church. I have heartily embraced a leadership role there. When the COVID siege ends I will return once again to the theatre as a volunteer. Also I plan to continue another love – travel.

However, I am experiencing a wonderful outcome of this COVID time. I began doing ” arts enrichment” with my young nephew and nieces to compensate for their loss of in-person learning. Teaching drama to this age group is something I definitely had not seen myself doing. But now I am thinking about continuing with young kids and theatre when the doors reopen.
It is energizing to be in the midst of a new adventure. I certainly don’t feel like what some think ( and even I thought years ago!) that 70 plus is, well, limited. In my mind’s eye I am still that 20-something year old SK hurtling toward new dreams and goals. With God’s help, the best is yet to be!
SO…….these are my middle of the night musings – lol