As I approached retirement, the search for a suitable retirement community became a priority in my life. While I wasn’t overly demanding in my criteria, one non-negotiable factor was that I desired to live by water.
Fast forward six years. I find myself living on the picturesque shores of Lake Catherine in Fairfield Glade. Every day, I am captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the area, and I am profoundly grateful that this is the place I call home.
Initially, my employment kept me tethered to Knoxville. During that first year in Fairfield Glade, it felt as though my life consisted of a repetitive cycle of work, eating, sleeping and commuting. It wasn’t until a year later, when I secured a job in Crossville, that my circumstances began to change, albeit slowly. Even then, I still knew very few people in this community.
The turning point came when my work schedule shifted, granting me the precious gift of day-shift hours which allowed me to step out and engage with the vibrant community around me.
My love for the water, the abundance of outdoor music events, and the inviting hiking trails soon led me to connect with a group of like-minded ladies. Over time, familiar faces emerged, and our shared interests bound us together, forming what I now fondly refer to as my “tribe.”
Today, six years on, these women have become an integral part of my life, and I, in turn, have become intertwined with theirs.
While other cherished individuals undoubtedly enrich my life, these ladies hold a unique place in my heart.
We have been captured in moments of laughter and camaraderie, frozen in photographs that convey volumes of unspoken emotions each time we revisit them.
Each of us in the photo accompanying this column has faced our share of heart-wrenching challenges in the past year.
One of us mourned the loss of her mother, another said goodbye to a dear friend, and yet another endured the passing of her husband. Tragically, one woman’s son lost his life in a devastating automobile accident, and another’s sister and nephew are bravely battling terminal illnesses.
It’s remarkable to think that not long ago, we were strangers. Now, we stand as pillars of support, providing shoulders to lean on and strength in times of need.
The bond we share has become an unbreakable lifeline that none of us anticipated but for which we are all profoundly grateful.
In moments when I’m tempted to retreat into my own world, I am reminded of the incredible power of community.
It’s easy to underestimate how profoundly we impact each other’s lives. We are interconnected, and we need one another. Just as I rely on the support of these remarkable women, I am equally essential to them. We are a testament to the importance of forging meaningful connections and recognizing our significance in the lives of others.
So, step into the world and become a meaningful presence in the lives of others — a vital member of a tribe.
Embrace your authenticity, for others rely on your unique contribution. And no matter how independent you are, you too will benefit from the individuality of others in your life.
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Sharon Mowery lives in Fairfield Glade. Her column appears regularly in the Glade Sun.