I was born March 29, 1928
I am now 92 as of March 29, 2020
Reflecting on the years of my life, they have been both painful and wonderful. I am grateful for the joy. And I realize the pain is reality.
I am grateful that I have two adult children who love me and care about me.
I live in a Chicago suburb. My daughter lives in California. She is coming to take me home to be with her and her husband and their three cats, to ease my feeling of isolation and loneliness. I will be there for two months, or whatever…so much is out of our hands right now.
My wife died 15 years ago, and I miss her every day. We were married for 52 years. We helped each other get college degrees. Together we raised two children: my son the Doctor and my daughter the COO of the largest not-for-profit agency in California. Eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. One divorce. I said to my wife after the divorce: “what did we do wrong?” She looked at me sternly and said “Jerome! They are their own people at this age! We grew them up wonderfully. Stop thinking you are still raising teenagers!”
I am grateful that I did work that I was passionate about in my life.
My career was never a job, just a wonderful opportunity. For 10 years I was the Director of a children’s summer camp. Those were most fun years of my 47-year career at a Chicago area not-for-profit agency. (Although I was honored to have been the General Director of the same agency for 18 years as well).
I retired in 1997 and focused my life on family. The real focus is on grandparenting. I am grateful I can still be creative. I have passion for what I do and a commitment to what I believe in.
Yep. I have a wonderful family—and a lady friend (yes, 90-year old’s can still date). Another lady, Deanna Shoss, who has her own company, works with me. We’ve written a book together, Where Two Worlds Meet, about the grandparent’s world and the grandchild’s world, and how they can enter each other’s world.
I am grateful for
- good health
- a good brain
- that I am loved by family and friends.
…and I care about our country and I care about me.
Jerry Witkovsky
Age 92
