I’m a retired RN, wife of 40 years, mother of two, grandmother of three, sister of six and all around lover of people. In 2004, my husband, David, and I sold our home in Annapolis, Maryland and began our downsized and totally new life on the south end of Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida. After tons of visits from friends and family, I decided that permanent vacation was not for me and joined the Tidewell Hospice Volunteer Program. I loved the difficult work and am still an active volunteer covering shifts at Hospice House. Along the way I met a woman who taught her me all she new about enriching the lives of those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias and about supporting their families in ways that are critical. Next, this wonderful mentor asked me to take over for her two patients and their families when she left the U.S. to live in Costa Rica for good. I enthusiastically stepped up and my reinvention began at the age of 59. I followed my heart and am doing what I love to do. I didn't know how much I could enjoy working exclusively with sick and elderly people and their families or that they would teach me so much about myself and life in general. I've come full circle from nursing to 15 years as a business owner to non-profit, affordable housing service provider to retiree and volunteer. Now I'm back where I belong caring for people once again. The satisfaction of hugging, touching, loving and listening to those in such need of attention and compassion at this late and vulnerable stage of life is priceless. In addition to my work with elders, gardening, tennis, beach walks, and laughter with friends and family keep me grounded and happy.