Barbara Jeanne Williams is an independent, industrious, forward-thinking elder who will turn 94 on Cinco de Mayo, 2022. She has had a full life as a nurse in several areas as well as prison nursing and Acute Psychiatry for the last 20 years. Her remarkable outlook and insights were qualities worthy of a role in the award-winning documentary Lives Well Lived, a film that celebrates the wit and wisdom of people aged 75-100 who reveal their secrets for living a meaningful life. I met her at a Spiritual Center in Oakland, CA and realized I tapped into a mentor who continues to be a student of diverse spiritual principles, and practices love & acceptance for all, and our friendship blossomed. “You would think I would have plenty of financial security, but I don’t” she shared with me. Loss from an unfortunate investment and caring for a disabled husband the last 8 years of his life, left her in some financial stress. She has lived alone for the past 9 years in a 400sq. ft. senior housing situation in Oakland and wants to stay there as long as possible, but there are needs to be met if this is to happen. She needs physical therapy and bodywork to address her extreme hunched over posture and uses a walker for support to get around. Her heart is succumbing to age. She has lost sight in one eye and is hearing impaired but even with her physical limitations, she has a goal, to finish the book about her amazing life! “Despite obvious changes in my brain and body functions, I need to get this book done before I leave the planet.”

Barbara has some important insights that I think will be relevant in our world today. The title is Creative Potpourri- Her Many Lives and Loves and So Much Learning. Funds will also be needed for publishing this final piece of her legacy.

A group, self-named, “Team Barbara” sees a need for other necessities such as a sofa bed so she can rest her back and when her son visits from out of state, he can stay with her; a room dividing cabinet with storage within arm’s reach as her wall cabinets are too high for her now. Weekly caregiving and home maintenance help is necessary and most likely that need will increase soon. Barbara is on a fixed income that covers the basics, but not the extras to assure a comfortable, safe, healthy existence for this remarkable woman as she nears the end of her journey. She has given so much all her life as a nurse, it's her turn now to receive. Barbara is Love. She is authentically humbled and grateful for any assistance that comes her way and she truly does need help.