Moving and Retirement
A Former Secretary's Lament: What is the World's Most Undervalued Profession?
Rose Madeline Mula writes: Friends who had been clever enough to become teachers, protected by a powerful union, were raking in much more money than me and enjoying considerably more leisure time. Two weeks paid vacation was the most I ever got and no overtime pay for the many nights, holidays and weekends I worked. Noram I now enjoying a generous pension such as those that are financing the retirement travels of my teacher friends. Furthermore, they never had to go to work when it snowed, though back in the day we secretaries were expected to man our typewriters even during blizzards of historic proportions. more »
Elaine Soloway's Rookie Widow Series: Leaving Home, My Magic Act and The Gold Line to South Pasadena
"Well, I could see you struggling with your decision to leave Chicago for Los Angeles. I watched you tossing each night, and wrestling with second thoughts. It was painful for me to witness that, so I thought it wise to reappear and help you out. It's called 'separation anxiety. " "It's not really second thoughts," I told her. "I know I want to be closer to my daughters, and it's important to do it now, when I'm untethered and in good health. But after I enjoyed lunches and dinners with close friends, I felt sad, and wondered how I'd get along without these people in my day-to-day life." more »
Open Letter to All Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers
Rose Madeline Mula writes: "A while back I was hospitalized for five days for a surprise bout of pneumonia which floored me. When an attendant wheeled my gurney from the ER into a room, I was upset to see an old woman there. They had promised me a private room. I did not want to share space with that old crone. Oh, wait. That wasn't my roommate. It was a mirror." more »
Elaine Soloway's Rookie Widow Series: Walking Distance; Matchmaker, Matchmaker; Untethered
Elaine writes: To ease a potential departure from a city I have lived in nearly my entire life, and from dear friends and relatives, I'm considering the move a gift and opportunity which I never got with Min — to assure there are no scenes or stings left over from my daughters' childhoods that they lug, or drop on a therapist's couch. And although I believe, and you likely do, too, that my daughters and I have an enviable and uncommon bond, do we really know their truths? more »