I collected this quote somewhere along the way. It was attributed to Zig Zigler — whoever he is. “You must make the CHOICE, to take a CHANCE, if you want anything in life to CHANGE.” The three Cs.

I wrote a book about surviving grief and how I dealt with it. It contained a lot of scripture that helped through each day. I detailed my first year on my own. My title was “Choose Life”. It must have worked because I spent seventeen years on my own and was very happy.

In life everyone has a choice. There are many decisions to be made. Each one guides you through life. Each decision is important. It propels you forward.

When I read this quote, I knew that it completed my story. First, I made the decision to survive and thrive. Life in the early years was busy. Just after my husband’s death another baby arrived. I now had three grandchildren to love and cherish.

I was busy babysitting every chance that I got. I took care of them one day a week. When my son’s babysitter quit, I had his son every day for a while.

I loved the time with the grandchildren. I got to cuddle them – in spite of getting a black eye when the littlest one banged his head on my nose. I got to teach them – even helping with homework once they were in school. We explored nature – visiting the Audubon. The cousins were together at grandma’s house. Often, I had all three of them.

I got to cook. I always made supper on the days that I babysat. We had an enjoyable family meal before everyone took off for home.

Fast forward 17 years. None of the children needed grandma in that way anymore. They came to visit but did not stay. That is when my life became lonely once again. Oh, I attended sporting events for the youngest one until he graduated, but that was different.

Now I had another choice to make. What was I going to do with my life? I was alone more and more. I was lonely. I watched television shows just to have something to do. I do not think I even cared what I watched. It was just company.

I had three families that I visited. I went to see my neighbors, Barb and Jack. While we visited, we always had coffee.

Often it was enough that I did not need to eat supper. Sometimes they came up here.

I went to see my father-in-law’s cousin, Goldie. She was such a delight. I first went to see her to find out about some pictures that we inherited. I figured I had to get to see her while she was still alert.

Well, she remained alert for the next several years making it to one hundred and five years old. She often said that she wished we could have traveled together because we would have had a lot of fun.

Usually, after a trip I took my photos to share with her. She eagerly waited for my article about the trip. She traveled vicariously. Toward the end I just had to share my experience with her because her eyesight failed. I really enjoyed all of my visits with Goldie. She was such an upbeat person.

The last family I visited was my deceased husband’s aunt and uncle — Diedra and Don. Diedra was my mother-in-law’s half-sister. I had many a cup of coffee around their little island. My husband used to visit with me while he was alive.

That was how my last chance became a reality. While I was down south with my cousin, Marcia, Diedra succumbed to her illness.

My daughter called to tell me of her death. When I returned, I visited Don in his home to express my condolences. I could not let her passing go unnoticed.

A few months later Don invited me to eat out. He knew I hated to eat out alone. It was my birthday so this was a birthday celebration. At that point I found he had a birthday just a few days after mine so it was his celebration as well.

Every once in a while, he stopped in for coffee. That was my treat. I usually had something sweet to treat. I felt guilty because we continued to eat out and he always paid for the meal.

The day I told him I loved him I took a chance. I knew that he loved me too because of the way he treated me. That was the best chance that I have ever taken. We married just a couple months later. The relationship has been a real gift. Never did we expect to be subjected to the quarantine and isolation that the next couple years would bring.

Having someone to come home to has been blessing for both of us. It has been great just being at home and having someone to share our day with. We still talk a lot. Meals are pleasant. I cook and he eats. I enjoy cooking so that is a treat for me.

My life changed, but that was good. I was no longer alone. I was no longer lonesome.

I had purpose to my life once again. The minister who married us said at our first counseling session, “I really do not know what to say to you. You have seen it all and done it all.”

Our wedding was a joyful affair with everyone laughing and joking.

Thank you, Jerome, for making us feel so at home. Thank you God for making all of this possible.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.