Who I Am

A Bit About Me and Why This Blog

So new blog, and I need to share what I was thinking about starting this blog. Look, we all get old, if we’re fortunate. Heaven knows in this lifetime, I’ve seen far too many who didn’t make it that far. Each step along the way, we are presented with challenges and blessings. We learn our lessons and grow, and aging is no exception to that process.

So about me: I’m a 76-year-old woman. I’m gay and trans, each adding their own challenges to a life journey. I grew up in Texas but have lived in Minneapolis for the last 23 plus years. Arthritis, back, and hip issues require a wheelchair, even as I live in an upstairs apartment. My wife wrestles with her own disabilities, but together we manage to make it work.

One of my great challenges that comes with aging is isolation. Oh, I have a caregiver who comes in for help and good conversation, but it is only two hours each week. As someone who grew up immersed in the art of storytelling and good conversation, this may be one of my most difficult challenges. I have a brother back in Texas whom I love, but, well, he’s in Texas and I cannot go back there in this political climate. Yes, I connect via social media and Zoom, but I deeply miss the beautiful give and take that can only happen via face-to-face conversation. I of course am not alone in this challenge. And like so many others, I find ways to stay busy and occupy myself. I write and on occasion deliver dvars (sermons) for my synagogue, assist with our Caring Committee, in my case forwarding requests for cards while others direct Shivas, provide rides etc. I do a lot of research, and aside from the recliner in my living room, the photo above is where I can be found much of the time. I wrote dvars for every Torah portion for the year in another blog. (Check it out) Oh, and I’m also a student of archaeology, especially focused on the UK.

So here I am, much as in every other stage of life, with blessings and challenges. I hope to focus on both here. It’s a place to tell my stories and to fill this unfortunate isolation with purpose and communication. Welcome to my story, from the perspective of “older than dirt.” It is my journey and of course each journey is different. But I suspect for my older readers, perhaps you will see or feel recognition along the way. For my younger readers, maybe getting an insight into the challenges of growing old, because it’s just a matter of time before you get there, G_d willing.

With much love…Jessica