Page 17 - Boca ViewPointe - September '23

September 2023 Viewpointe, Page 17
Finding Hope On The Journey Into Old Age

By Robert W. Goldfarb and happy surprises that came so often. Little I’m now finding way along what I feared would be a dark and lonely journey.
along the road brightens my journey. For the first time in 70 On my first steps along this road, I learned something that
I often look back at the road I’ve traveled from birth into years I’m walking this road alone, without my wife’s hand made it possible for me to go forward with hope, perhaps even
my nineties. There were always hazards along that road. in mine. Her loss has eclipsed the sun that seemed happy to confidence. No one had to remind me Muriel was no longer
Stalking through the first miles was polio that brought fear shine for her. Instead of anticipating her kiss, I’m hoping the physically alongside me. But of this I was certain; she had
into my mother’s eyes when I said my legs hurt. High school elevator in my building is finally working. never left my heart, my being. I wasn’t alone. She was with
meant algebra, and just the word reminds me why so many How then do I find the will and resources to press deeper me. I feel her touch when I’m uncertain which way to turn. It
young people are depressed. A misstep on paths I walked into old age knowing one of those bumps could mean calling has become clear to me that in 93 years along this path–most
in the Army could trigger nightmares and worse. Marrying 911? I’m surrounded by the love of my children, grandchildren of it with Muriel– I found within myself the will and resources
young– three children in four years and entry-level jobs– and a new great-grandson. We talk regularly and see each other to push forward. The boy I was and the man Muriel helped
made my hands shake when I opened envelopes stamped often. But they have full lives and live in distant cities. Loosing me become has somehow managed to walk these final miles
“Final Notice.” But I always managed to step over these Muriel has made my journey a lonely one. I was encouraged with the hope and confidence I feared I had lost.
obstacles with a young man’s confidence. to meet in groups with others who had just lost their husbands
The road taking me deeper into old age is different. I find or wives. I learned very quickly that mourning is one of the Bob’s articles have appeared in The New York Times,
myself stumbling over bumps I didn’t even notice when I most private of acts. What little I learned in those meetings The San Francisco Chronicle and in Next Avenue, the
was younger. Most of the miles I traveled in the past were seemed lifted from a self-help book. None of it healed the publication of the Public Broadcasting Service. His book,
towered over by weddings, births, confirmations, graduations pain. I decided to stop attending meetings and find my own “What’s Stopping Me From Getting Ahead?” was published
by McGraw Hill and is in five languages. 
Wildlife In Boca Pointe Dear Boca Pointe

Have you captured any images Dog Owners:
of Wildlife in Boca Pointe?

We’d love to publish your pictures in our new We have had a few recent complaints
section Wildlife in Boca Pointe! from residents who have had
Please tell us where the photo was taken. Your uncomfortable encounters with
photos may be published in The Viewpointe! Four-spotted pennant dogs off leash around
Send your photos to lisa.cammaleri@fsresidential. the property. We are
com.  reaching out to our
Great blue heron residents to remind them
of our rules concerning
keeping dogs on leashes and cleaning pet litter. As a
resident of Boca Pointe you must: Keep your dog on a
Leash. All dogs must be controlled on a leash by an able-
bodied person, at all times, whenever the dog is on property.
Northern parula Also, you must clean up and properly dispose of pet waste
when your pet relieves itself. Knowing and abiding by our
Photos by Luis Alberto community’s animal-related ordinances will help make our
Photos by Les Hochhauser Roseate spoonbill Matheus neighborhood a better place for everyone. Thank you! 

Meet

Shayna Franco

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR ®

Shayna is a luxury real estate professional who grew up in Boca Raton,
Florida, which has allowed her to gain a profound understanding of the
local market. She holds a degree in hospitality management and her
experience working in luxury hotels and resorts across the United States
has shaped her skills to a unique hospitality-meets-real estate approach.
Shayna strives to provide her clients with Five-Star Luxury Service - No
Reservations Required.

Her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that every client feels
like a VIP. Whether you’re buying your rst home or looking to sell your
current property, Shayna is dedicated to helping you achieve your real
estate goals. She takes great pride in guiding her clients through every
step of the buying or selling process, o ering professional support and
guidance along the way. With Shayna by your side, you can rest assured
that you’re in the hands of an exceptional real estate professional.

Shayna Franco

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
BOCA RATON OFFICE
561.445.8964 200 E PALMETTO PARK RD
SFRANCO@ONESOTHEBYSREALTY.COM BOCA RATON, FL 33432

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