Debbie is an 88 yearend widow who lives on a family farm in North central Missouri. She and her husband lived in Kansas from 1943 to 1948, while her husband worked for the railroad. They then moved to Kansas City, and both worked for the Board of Education until their retirement in 1973. They had three sons, but only one survives today. Her husband died in 1993, not long before their 64th wedding anniversary.

A 'normal' day for Debbie goes as follows: " I get up, eat breakfast, go to the senior center until one o'clock, and then go home. I may visit somebody during the afternoon, or I may crochet. I watch some TV, but not a lot. There's also keeping up my house and watering my flowers."

Debbie takes a trip once each year, with her son and daughter-in-law. When asked if she attends church, she replied, "Oh, yes. I'm a Baptist."

Debbie feels good about her life. "I feel like the Lord has given me a long time to do things. I enjoy the senior center, and I enjoy helping others." What makes her feel bad? "Nothing. I really don't feel bad about anything I do. I just love the Lord for letting me do the things I do."

Asked why she became involved at the senior center, Debbie replied, "After my husband died I couldn't just look at the walls. I decided that doing something beneficial to others would occupy my mind. And I stay there because I enjoy it very much. I like people, and enjoy being around them."

What preparation did she make during middle age for her life today? "Nothing," she said, "Just working, and being active. I live each day as if it's the last -- and then, I thank the Lord for it." Debbie feels that her income is quite adequate for doing the things she really wants to do. While she described herself as "Not much of a joiner," she does enjoy craft clubs and the Historical Society. She helped restore an older home there in her town, but her real love is her own home -- and she loves to sew. She took some painting classes a few years ago, and she is quite proud that she earned her GED at 60 years of age.

Most of her friends were church- and work-related over the years. Today, most of them are at the senior center. Regarding her mental frame of mind, Debbie said, "I feel like I have a good mind for my age and I'm really doing well for 88." She doesn't believe she has changed a lot over the years. "I've always had the same life philosophy, and that is to trust in the Lord."

What would Debbie do differently if she could start life over? "I'd try to be a little more patient and thankful for what others have done. I'd gladly go back and do it again. I've had a very good life."