”
The senior center saved my life,
”
said Rachel Contreras, 64, who continues her story of recovery
from severe depression. The Centennial Recreation Senior Center
played a major role.
“The senior center saved my life,” said Rachel Contreras, 64, who continues her story of recovery from severe depression. The Centennial Recreation Senior Center played a major role.
Cumulative back injuries, a consequence of heavy physical labor during her early years and as the divorced mother of two young boys, resulted in two major surgeries. Two long metal rods and eight screws were inserted into her back for support. Contreras was in intense pain; following the operations, she stayed for two weeks at the Valley Medical Center and was then moved to the White Blossom Care Center for a month.
For 14 months, she was deeply depressed, heavily medicated, utterly dependent and figured her life was over. She stayed in bed all day, sleeping and eating and adding 30 pounds to her once petite body. “I wanted to die – I hurt so much and was so angry at my body.” Helpless and hopeless with no reason to be happy, she thought of contacting Dr. Kevorkian and learning about assisted suicide. The two boys that she raised were far away.
“When I had the energy to get out, I would cross a street and hope that a car would hit me,” she said. “I had nothing to live for.”
Her daughter, Marialicia, 27, born after a second marriage that also ended in divorce, proved to be her mother’s guardian angel. The young woman lives in San Jose, where she works and studies occupational therapy. She manages to commute frequently to Morgan Hill, where she provides in-home care for Rachel. Aware of the senior center, Marialicia encouraged Rachel to give it a try, find something to do, make some friends. Rachel wasn’t interested; she was completely negative.
“No way, that’s God’s waiting room,” she said. “You just sit till your number comes up.”
Then she learned about the swimming classes. It was too difficult for her to get to San Jose to swim, a recommended exercise as part of the healing process. Marialicia told her mother that the swimming was available at the CRC and convinced her to at least take a look at the situation. She accompanied her mom on the initial foray.
The pool was the first big plus. Learning that she qualified for the Outreach taxi and the abundance of activities for seniors, Rachel joined. She is now scheduled for a daily swim class and takes advantage of the Senior Cafe, a nutritional program sponsored by Santa Clara County. Although recently diagnosed as a diabetic, Rachel tries to eat lunch at least three times a week and brings a healthy snack in case she can’t eat the food provided.
“My life changed, I tell you,” she said. “From being a depressed couch potato to struggling to get up and take a shower before I leave home – I even colored my hair. I feel so strong now and there is so much to do; I take a water color class and go to the sewing and quilting classes at the senior center. No more pity parties for Rachel.”
The camaraderie with other seniors has proven worthwhile to this now bubbly, witty woman who smiles a lot. Her hands move like little birds as she makes a point. Her experience with depression makes Rachel sensitive to those seniors who are withdrawn and she tries gently to engage them. After moving from a dark low in her own life, she understands others in a similar situation.
The swimming helped strengthen her back and a better diet has melted four inches from her waist. She still wears a heavy, wide support around her midsection.
Rachel’s story emphasizes another aspect of the senior center. In addition to nutrition, stimulating activities and friendship, the center is beneficial to the mental health of older citizens who find themselves despondent.
Susan Fent, director of senior programs and services agrees. “The senior center provides a supportive community where older adults of all abilities can create meaningful relationships and rediscover their innermost strengths and potentials. Because the Centennial Recreation Center Senior Center provides comprehensive programs and services in a ‘one-stop-shop’ setting, whether it’s fitness, recreation, social services or a nutritious hot lunch, our seniors have a place where they know their well-being is a priority and where everyone has an important role in our senior center community.”
Picking up her pool bag and leaving for her swim date, Rachel said with a twinkle in her eyes, “God’s waiting room is a lot of fun.”
Morgan Hill’s ‘Seasoned’ Citizens
One by one, here they come …
Morgan Hill’s “Seasoned” Citizens
Walking through the door or wheeled
across the floor.
Here come Morgan Hill’s “Seasoned” Citizens.
Why stay home, all alone … where sad
unhappy thoughts can freely roam;
when without a fuss … for 50+
the Outreach bus comes right up to your door!
Aches and pains seem to disappear
as you’re greeted by a staff
full of smiles and good cheer.
Now, the lunches are the best as you among the rest
of the “Seasoned” Citizens of Morgan Hill;
Sharing stories, funny jokes’
while eating healthy with older folks
who believe that age is just a number.
With smiles and full tummies
of course they feel no hunger
And if that isn’t enough for you,
there’s a heated pool to jump into …
what better way to ease your aching bones
as you head back to your homes
God bless the Senior Center;
where us older kids come together …
the “Seasoned” Citizens of Morgan Hill
Rachel Contreras, April 2011
