Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

Lindy and Jack Lindquist spent most of their careers in extension and 4-H and met while working together--they became friends, then married,  and have celebrated 42 years of marriage since. Both suggest taking advantage of new opportunities and just "do it"-- and not to be scared. Jack adds to "Stop and smell the roses," but also to reach down to help someone up in times of need. You don't want to miss this couple's engaging story and history.

Being a good volunteer, a good leader, and especially a good friend are ways Larie Shoap hopes to be remembered. Working in the banking industry for 43 years, Larie has a lot to share from her experiences, including specific suggestions regarding financial considerations in our later years and other words of wisdom, such as the importance of listening to everybody else for ideas.

Making a difference in people's lives has always been important to Jim Reed, who knew as a junior in high school that he wanted to be in the ministry. Since being ordained as a Methodist minister in 1965, Jim has served as a "faithful servant," and he shares his own ups and downs during these later years of his life. 

This amazing man of faith, lover of history, and educator, Kevin Larson, shares his life journey. Getting out, staying active, and truly caring about people are just a few thoughts from this learned historian and minister, who also shares the tragic loss of his wife.

While Gerald Schmidt—a former Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Deputy, Army brat, and Vietnam veteran—travelled the world, he is quite content with his retirement years. While admitting to a few regrets over the years, he suggests making the best of life and enjoying each day.

Larry and Kay Weigel went from being 16-year-old high school sweethearts to over 60 years of marriage, and have so much to say. With Larry's time on Tex Winter's basketball team and Kay as a K-stepper twirler. They lead us through their delightful life as they age gratefully.

Although he is relatively young, in his 50's, Don Stubbings shares his work as Director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. This group, which has a rich history, includes many older adults in its mission. Stubbings gave up 24 years in law enforcement, including training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, when he felt called to work with the Sisters, but he feels all his background has brought him where he is today. His wife and two daughters keep him grounded, and he shares how faith and keeping active sustain him.

This dynamic woman in her 80s has travelled the world, working in Morocco and the Congo. She managed to raise two sons, earn her Master's Degree in Computer Science for a second career, and then worked many years in that field at Farm Bureau. Judy Regehr also tells us about her fight for life after being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and the need to advocate for ourselves medically. Still, she tells us, "Don't be afraid of aging," and emphasizes the importance of adaptability as things are always changing.

"Become involved" and "Be social" are just a few thoughts on how to age gratefully from Judy Lundberg, who has lived in Manhattan, KS, most of her life, with fond memories of her late husband and their Tuttle Creek Lake home. While working many jobs in Manhattan, her years at the K-State Student Union Bookstore and First Presbyterian Church bring back some of her fondest memories. Judy also shares her efforts in dealing with grief after losing many family members in a short period of time.

Ron Trewyn, a Vietnam veteran and Vice President for Research Emeritus at Kansas State University, truly has a story to tell. He not only wrote the book "Vietnam's War of Hate—Proud Military Veterans Vilified at Home," but he also shares his difficult return home. Ron offers valuable suggestions for Aging Gratefully, reminding us to value each day, value friends and family, and remember the "we" instead of "me" in this often divisive world.