Kathleen Lebedz

Kathleen is another member of Raintree Country Club, who I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the past year or so. She retired from being a freelance court reporter and she had no difficulties adjusting at all. She said something that I really like and it was "I believe you don't retire from something, but retire to something." That saying perfectly describing the transition to aging and how elders should view it because once someone retires or does age, it doesn't mean that their life is over. Another door is opening up and they get another chance to live again. The experience is something amazing and fulfilling, not something dreadful.

She is one of the most busiest people I've ever met because she manages to play golf with friends, her husbands and groups that she had joined at the club. Kathleen is a member of the RWGA (Raintree Women Golf Association) 18-Hole Ladies League, RWGA Board, Couples Event and the Rules and Grievance Committee.  At her church, she is a part of the Disaster Committee and Extraordinary Minister. She will also volunteer at Habitats for Humanities and the Charlotte/Douglas Airport. Some of the social groups she is involved in is New Friends and CEO (Chick's Evening Out).

All of the groups or things Kathleen participates in allows her to achieve that feeling of gratification, social with friends old or new, and stay active all at the same. Instead of doing something separate to maintain each thing, such as health, mind stimulation, socialization, she combines many of them together. For example, by playing golf and being a part of the RWGA 18-Hole Ladies League, she is able to interact with friends, be active and do something mind stimulating.

While talking with Kathleen, she brought a very good point and it was that it is incredibly imperative to maintain relationships. For example, if you ever need surgery, you'll need people to be there to help you recover and to encourage you to get better. Another example, in the case of losing a loved one, you'll need someone else to take the place of that support system that you don't have anymore. They could help you through the grieving process and to move on. Sometimes, elders don't always think about this things and they could be very important in the future. Everything is almost cause and effect in a sense, so it's better to be prepared if necessary.