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 Sometimes
the public
face of success hides a private face of defeat and isolation.
That
was Vicki’s story
(name changed to protect the
privacy of our member).
To the people she worked with she was a successful real estate agent in San
Diego and later a Director of Community Relations for a hospital. But in her
private life she struggled with alcoholism, an eating disorder and post traumatic
stress from an earlier rape. Fortunately, she sought treatment and even began
helping others work through their issues.
The next
few years brought more challenges. First her father died, leaving her
to move into the family home to care for her elderly mother suffering
from Alzheimer’s. When her mother died she moved to Rancho Santa
Margarita for a much needed change.
Then 9/11
hit and Vicki again felt overwhelmed. Alone in a new community, Vicki
was drained mentally, physically and spiritually. When her medical
plan opened the opportunity to join the South
Coast YMCA, Vicki was
initially looking for a way to treat her arthritis. What she found
instead was a community of caring staff and members to encourage her
to stay involved and continue her path to wellness.
First she
concentrated on her workouts, but as she connected with staff and members
she found a network of support. Membership staff would phone to say
hi if she didn’t show up for a week. Senior members dealing with
their own limitations showed up faithfully to encourage her and keep
her motivated.
After losing
40 pounds, Vicki now keeps a healthy weight for her frame. A regular
routine using weights, combined with the bike and treadmill have improved
her strength and helped her to deal with the arthritic pain.
As for isolation,
who’s got time? She’s added crafting porcelain dolls to
the hobbies she shares with friends, and she volunteers as both a fundraiser
for the YMCA and as one of a crew of YMCA volunteers for special events.
Of course, when she does take a week off, there’s always the
YMCA Membership Desk to remind her that she’s missed…and
definitely not alone anymore.
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