On Thursday March 27th, Carolyn shared with us her presentation entitled “ Finding our Niche “

Carolyn began by sharing that we all have something that sparks an interest in life. And sometimes it’s right in front of us. But sometimes we have to look for it. There may only be one thing at a time that sparks our interest, or it may be several things at once. It usually needs to be something you are passionate about, and something that you love. 

     So, what is something or some things you wish you could do, or things that you wished you kept up with in your life? 

She shared that she can be a good example. Carolyn told us she has always been internet in playing the guitar, and that her Dad also played the guitar. She took up guitar because she wanted her Dad to be proud of her. She never pursued it for awhile until she was able to afford a guitar of her own. 

Carolyn did have her Dad’s guitar at one time. She remembers that it only had four strings when he played, and was still able to put together a song from it. 

So for awhile she took guitar lessons, however it was hard to keep up as life got in the way. Her husband became ill, so in order to keep up she worked as a cleaning lady.  Carolyn became fearful of losing their home, so she worked cleaning many homes so she could make double payments on their home. Soon after their home was paid for which was a big relief. At that point her three kids were away to college, and on their own. 

     At that point she had some extra time, so she started playing the guitar again. And then life happened again and her Mother needed to be cared for. She brought her Mother to Omaha, as her Mother needed cancer treatment. 

After a year of treatment, her Mothers eye was cured and she never lost her sight. Carolyn started to dabble with playing the guitar again for her Mom in the memory care unit where she was living. Carolyn lost her Mom at the age of 95.

     At this point Carolyn was now retired, and her husband found his niche as an airplane restorer, which he loves and is his passion. Carolyn has always pursued her interest in art, as it relaxes her and excites her. But she has always wanted to perform with her guitar, and she is now back at it again.She is performing for people who love the old and new classics. Carolyn said she doesn’t claim to be a great performer, however she does claim to finally be a performer!  This is something she can say she had a hand in making it happen. 

     Carolyn contributed to making this a better place to live in, and has done it with music!  We can help others and in return it will help ourselves, because it will give you satisfaction to give. When we contribute we don’t have to give money, but we can give of ourselves. We can give our time and expertise to make this a better community. And in return you will be getting better mentally, because if you have made this world a better place you will be rewarded in many more ways. Maybe some of you have found your niche, as it is right in front of you. Have you come across anything that excited you as a kid?  There may be something out there that sparked your interest. Maybe not now, but it may have been as a child.  

    It could also be something you came across, and have not yet developed an interest for.  So, what could you do that would leave a fingerprint in this world? It could be something that helps people in this world live a more meaningful life. That is Carolyn’s wish for us.