Getting Older

[Cherri Brooks]

This is a beginning post for this group about...what else?....getting
older. I will turn 45 this year and can't help but wonder about my
future in Louisiana. I, like alot of lesbians, have no children to
look after me when I get down and need it. I am fortunate that my
parents are still living and I have younger siblings, but I can't help
but wonder what it will be like 20 years from now when I am at my
retirement age, my parents might be gone by then and my siblings will
have their own lives to attend to. Where will that leave me? Where
will that leave my partner, Lisa? And what if she passes away before
me? Will I be alone, without a partner, and in need? This program
will hopefully be there for me and so many others that need help
today, right now. I have strong, long standing friendships who I
consider my family. But what if they pass away before I do? Will I
be in a nursing home hiding in the closet? Or will I have the
opportunity to share with the younger lesbian community and have the
support they could offer. I would like to hear other opinions about
your future and how you see it panning out. What safeguards do you
have in place for your retirement years? How do you see yourself 20
years from now...or today?