My journey to the Pasadena Village

- Vickie -

Back in late February 2020 I attended a brunch with some former co-workers at the house of our esteemed ex-boss, Betty Ann. A great time was had by all of us as were some great conversations. Betty Ann welcomed all of us and then proceeded to share some information about the brochures that had been placed throughout the eating area. The brochures were entitled THE PASADENA VILLAGE.
What Betty Ann told us opened my eyes. When I heard the words “support for caregivers,”  “community” and “members are helpful” and all of the various events and activities that The Village offered I thought to myself “this is just what I need right now.” I was going through a difficult transition in my personal life, living with someone who was suffering from many cognitive and memory challenges. I had become a de facto caregiver. This was not what I was expecting to do in my retirement! I was unhappy and depressed about my situation and was desperate for community support and resources.  I grabbed one of the brochures and jotted down the next meeting for newcomers.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic was formally named and CDC guidelines were mandated almost a week later. The “shelter-in-place” order forbade any large gatherings. The upcoming Village meeting was cancelled. I was disappointed as were many others. Still, I was able to sign up for the monthly newsletter and stayed “in the loop” that way. Peggy Buchanan was also helpful about offering to share caregiving resources.

Then on May 29th, The Pasadena Village held a ZOOM meeting in which I participated. That was a great way to see some of the faces that make up the Village and hear about what was going on in the community. I look forward to more of those.

I understand there is a support group for caregivers and am anxious to learn more about that. I am also interested in other discussion groups and maybe joining in on a walk or two.  Volunteering and offering my services is also of interest and Dick Myers has already reached out.