A
SURPRISING SECOND HALF OF LIFE CAREER:
SEQUEL TO " IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL IT'S OVER"
Little did I know, as I was growing up in a traditional era, that
the second half of my life would be the most surprising, exciting
and successful.
I made all the traditional choices as a female growing up in the '40s
and '50s. I married, had three children, divorced, struggled and survived.
During those challenging times, I learned of my vision loss caused
by Stargaard's disease and I then became a traditional blind female
employee, occupation medical transcriber, which lasted for 9 years.
Somewhere around the age of 48, I took some time to rest and regroup.
By then I was involved in a long term relationship and could be home,
relax and maybe take a couple of classes at the community college.
Those classes were the nudge which slowly, but surely, motivated me
to achieve a college degree. At the age of 54, I proudly earned a
Bachelor's Degree of Science in Gerontology from the University of
Southern California. That was May, 1987 and the years since, have
been the most surprising, exciting and adventurous of all my 76 years.
I love the unpredictability of life and, so far, I am still seizing
opportunities and marveling at this unexpected journey.
I have worked for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
as a recreation director, for an independent living center in the
Client Assistance Program for clients of Department of Rehabilitation,
a CAP Trainer for Protection and Advocacy Systems in Washington, D.C.
and a community outreach trainer and advocate for the Los Angeles
County Public Authority for People with disabilities, in need of in
home assistance.
I am now semi-retired from that 9 year position and working as an
independent consultant on work incentive programs, doing statewide
trainings and presentations for agencies and consumers of services.
I believe in the value of work and of contributing back to the community.
I believe in the value of turning life experiences into a career and
I believe that I have been blessed to be able to do all this.
I will continue to follow these beliefs and this remarkable journey
as long as the spirit allows.
I realize that I am no longer a woman of tradition and that is sometimes
a solitary perspective, but it is, finally, the person I really am.
I am Teddie-Joy Remhild, a blind 76 year old woman who loves life
and surprises and hoping to discover what is around the next corner.
I firmly declare with delight, "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over"!!