It was with some trepidation that I accepted the offer of a part-time position at age 74.  I knew something of the fine work that UCP of Central Florida and its dedicated staff achieved with young special needs children and hoped that I could be a part of that in a small way. I was introduced to their newly opened East Orange facility near the University of Central Florida, close to my home, and was almost immediately welcomed by its young, educated teachers and therapists.

I was trained to keep the files of our classroom children and the files of those who came to our facility later in the day for the occupational, physical or speech therapy they needed.  Within weeks, the files became my personal domain.  I enjoyed the challenge of putting together the information needed for each child. Getting to know of their struggles and seeing them, first-hand, conquer many of their problems endeared them all to me. They became my grandchildren, some of them even calling me Granny and coming to me for a morning welcome hug.

During my fourth year back in the workforce at UCP I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am happy to say that I did not miss a day of work during the treatment that followed. In fact, I believe having my friends at work to bolster my morale made the ordeal of cancer much easier. I also believe that seeing me at work made my co-workers less afraid for themselves. Being invited to their weddings and baby showers as “one of the girls” often made me forget that I was more than two generations older than they were.

Even working, I still had time for a social life. As a couple, my husband and I stay active with our fellow seniors.  Thirteen years ago, we joined the newly formed “Waterford Seniors” group. Every week, we enjoy breakfasts, lunches and dinners at various nearby restaurants.   Many times our younger senior friends are our drivers!  Every second Monday of the month we meet at a member’s home for a gabby, money-free game of cards or Runnikub.  My part-time schedule at UCP allows me to keep a “foot” in both my worlds.  How different they are!  Hearing about the exciting plans of future engagements and weddings from my co-workers, I am quickly brought down to reality with my other half being more concerned about our doctor visits and our living with chronic illnesses.

Back at work, many times on our lunch break, I am asked of my experiences living during World War II.  I tell them of the lack of eligible men available for young 18-year-olds to meet and date.  I tell how we managed to survive without nylon hose, gasoline or many foods that were rationed so that our boys in the service would not have to do without.  I really enjoy recalling those years.  Back then, I worked as an IBM key puncher on the 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. shift at the Philadelphia Army Quartermaster Corp.  How different my job is today.

Well here it is now 11 years later and I am still in charge of the children’s files.  UCP has grown to be a charter school with six locations in all parts of Central Florida.  Instead of  working in a one room schoolhouse, I am now in a 35,000-square-foot beautiful building housing a staff more than 80 people and close to 200 children (now with and without special needs) and their files for me to maintain.  It is with much pride and love that I continue to report to UCP Bailes Campus, a staff member, at age 85.

Article by Geraldine Kilberg