Never Too Old for a New Adventure

From: The (Prescott) Daily Courier, June 2, 2007

I want to thank two wonderful organizations that recently moved me beyond words.

First is the Shriners, which had a May 19 fundraising event at the Prescott Airport giving airplane rides to people for 25 cents a pound per person.

Secondly, I thank Rick Judy, owner of Tender Hearts Senior Care, for making this whole event happen for me. I am a 95-year-old lady who receives a little household help weekly from a great caregiver, Jana Gotland, who works for Tender Hearts Senior Care.

She was with me when Rick Judy called and asked what we were doing and if I would be interested in going up for a ride in an airplane. He had just heard the announcement on the radio. I jumped (figuratively speaking) at the chance and within two hours I was at the airport where Rick lifted me onto the plane. Jana, Rick, pilot Mark Brown and I were off on our adventure.

I have sat in my home and haven't even ventured out to my yard except for going to doctor's appointments for more than a year. At 95, you don't expect things to excite you a great deal or change your life, but this has done just that for me. I hope I can inspire other seniors to go for it when you get the chance and enjoy life and the people around you to the fullest.

It was the ride of a lifetime!

Ruth D. Jarrell
Prescott Valley