PICKING UP THE BROKEN PIECES AND DENISE’S FESTIVE JOURNEY BEGINS

By Deryn
Feb 8, 2020

Join the discussion and follow me on these networks!

Article and photos by Denise McLaughlan

I am a lively and enthusiastic nearly 75-year-old woman who has embraced life despite 28 years on my own. I live in Cape Town South Africa in my 1837 characterful home. I have two grown-up children and three grandchildren, no other close family. I Grew up as an only child and used to feel lonely quite often. The latter has changed somewhat now that I am older and wiser.  Part of my nature has also been to engage with people, to be curious and have many interests. I have a a zest for living , and am not fazed by changes  – in fact I welcome new things- whether it be  learning all about technology, enjoying social media like Facebook trying new activities like PowerPoint collages or simply rearranging and decorating my house in a different way. I can bounce back from bad situations, for which I am thankful.

 Part of my ongoing verve is because since becoming a child of God, I have realised repeatedly that I cannot cope without Him in my life. He has led, guided, protected and provided for me for these 28 years since 1992, when I was only 47 and was broken, divorced, forced to go forward alone, find work (after 12 years at home). It wasn’t easy to get back into the workplace despite being a slightly-out- of -touch teacher and having worked in various fields such as an officer in the S A Army, selling insurance from a call-centre and many temporary jobs. I was fortunate to obtain the bond for my house and after 25 years it has been paid off!  My house has worked for me –providing income.

Over the years I was faced with times of unemployment, my children leaving home and having quite serious problems, depression and anxiety. I always believe there is help out there and one must go and get it. I attended Deryn’s Divorce Recovery workshop, I was active at my church and I resorted to my old-time journaling. Keeping a daily diary from my teenage days evolved into journaling my Quiet time with the Lord plus writing about and working through all the problems of the time. Later I started a blog and more recently some newsletters about my solo road trips in my converted Mazda camper car- more about that later!!

Some of the aftermath of the divorce was the ongoing problem of finances and so I started to take in boarders – or rather –tenants offering a room in my house plus sharing my kitchen, bathroom and at times my living area. So, doing I had extra income and felt safer after my children left home. I must admit I really enjoyed the young vibe and life in my home, which also freed me to pursue another great love of mine – weekend getaways and any form of travel. I would save or work as a showhouse sitter on Sunday afternoons just so I could afford a little trip…at first always looking for a friend to go along but lately I go it alone- if needs must be!

At around 60 years the young and fast call-centre environment got to me and I went back to teaching for two years- at a small Christian school where I had to take on Grade 2 and 3 in one class ( and this while I trained as a high school teacher!) I tackled it but then they realised I would be better with the Grade 5 and 6 class. This episode prepared me well for the next phase of my working life – that of being a part-time au pair for school going children working for one particular family. I was suited for this being a teacher, a mother and grandmother. This I did for 10 years – I mostly enjoyed this but it also had its difficult times. During this time, I started doing House-and –Pet sitting. Besides loving pets, it would give me that most welcome extra money – (always a toss-up with on whether to do maintenance on the house with it or save for a trip!?)

You will have gathered that I was inventive in surviving the working years, but this builds in faith that God will provide, and I never once went without a roof over my head or food to eat. I my next blog I will show you how my adventurous life developed over the years.  Please join me for the journey and I would be happy for you to comment below.

2 Comments

  1. Yvonne De Martino

    Very encouraging read, and proving that God always provides for us, sometimes we get more than we need, and often overwhelmed by many blessings. One of the most important need is a roof over out heads, a bed to sleep in and food and water.

    Reply
  2. Yvonne De Martino

    And if we have these basic needs met which I have just mentioned we should be satisfied. One need i didn’t mention was clothing. I know I have far too many clothes, which need to be taken to charity shop, and hoping that someone will be blessed with something I don’t need anymore.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join the discussion and follow me on these networks!

More From Crossing My Bridges

EMBRACING TRUE FREEDOM: A JOURNEY TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE

EMBRACING TRUE FREEDOM: A JOURNEY TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE

So, what does freedom mean to you? Is it the ability to pursue your passions without constraint? Is it the liberty to express your thoughts and beliefs openly? Or is it the freedom to chart your course, unencumbered by societal expectations? Each person’s journey to freedom is unique, and the meaning of freedom evolves as we navigate the ebb and flow of life.

read more
FREEDOM OF SELF-DETERMINATION IN AN IDEOLOGICAL WORLD

FREEDOM OF SELF-DETERMINATION IN AN IDEOLOGICAL WORLD

The right to self-determination is a fundamental human right essential for exercising other rights and freedoms. Despite the challenges posed by minority rights, globalization, and the concentration of power, the principle of self-determination remains crucial for the advancement and protection of the dignity of every person.

read more
Financial Freedom and The Abundant Life: Empower Your Dreams

Financial Freedom and The Abundant Life: Empower Your Dreams

Ultimately, it’s not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about the freedom and opportunities that wealth can provide so we can live out our purpose with passion, having enough for ourselves, some to grow and some to help others reach their dreams too. Living out the abundant life that Jesus promised, “I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

read more

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

This Area is Widget-Ready

You can place here any widget you want!

You can also display any layout saved in Divi Library.

Let’s try with contact form: