[Lekooks] My decision to move

[Sheila Larkin]

Dear Lekooks,

I've recently made a big decision and want to share it here. I'll be
relocating to the east side of Milwaukee on June 21 where I'll be in an
independent apartment at St. John's on the Lake, an excellent long-term
retirement community. I've been a member of LCUUC since it started. I moved
out from Milwaukee to Oconomowoc in 1996 and was very pleased to see fliers
at First Unitarian (my then church) about an idea for a new UU church in
the Lake Country. I was just changing careers and took a job as school
counselor in Sullivan at Sullivan Elementary school. I was worried about
finding people to connect with "out here" until I started attending
organizational meetings for what would become LCUUC.

Over the years LCUUC has been a rich and integral part of my life. I was
one of the Sunday pianists for over 10 years, served on the board twice,
have taught RE now for four years, have had a blast in the choir this year,
have formed lasting friendships and have felt supported by our church
members. In Milwaukee I'll be living literally 3 minutes from First
Unitarian and will likely check it out again. I'm impressed with some LCUUC
members, like Gus Santo, and the Braatz/Esty family who travel 45-90
minutes to to attend our church. And I hope to come out for special events.
But anyone who knows me well can attest to my being a true night owl, so
getting up and out early on Sun. mornings won't be terribly likely!

Seven years ago I suffered an ischemic stroke (cause unknown) a day after
major lung surgery. I have a good deal of paralysis on my left side but am
grateful for an intact intellect and no difficulty speaking. Gratitude is
part of my daily life. I retired early and have had a good quality of life
but I live alone and things can get pretty isolated for me day-to-day, with
winter being the most challenging. I have two wonderful siblings, my
sisters Kathleen  (on Milwaukee's east side) and Patty (in MA). They've
both been concerned about my isolation, and this past year I've finally
agreed.

Last year we went together to visit St. John's on the Lake, for my "future
reference". St. John's has a great reputation for active arts and music
programming (there are 2 professional art galleries there and a floor for
art shows by residents and staff) and typical music programs include Early
Music Now, jazz profs. from the WI Conservatory of Music which is just down
the street, and many other top musicians in Milwaukee. I'll be 63 in June
and will be one of the younger residents there, which I hope I can adjust
to! An old friend and her husband have lived there for 5 years, are in
their mid-70's and take bike trips that are miles beyond my longest ones in
the past. St. John's tends to attract healthier older adults who are active
and want a strong connection with the life of the city. I really look
forward to proximity to museums, galleries and festivals!

Fyi St. John's is so named because it was started by Episcopal women in the
1860's to provide retirement housing for their priests and nuns. There is
no religious affiliation now and I hear that there are now at least 20 UUs
there �� If you ever want to visit, just let me know. And if you find me
looking a bit sad at church, in upcoming weeks, know that I'm quite sad to
be leaving ---but know that I can easily visit!

With Care,
Sheila Larkin
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