Article written by Karen Lyddane
Carol Schwartz entered the world in Evansville, Indiana, which was a fortunate place to learn about life. She played and grew in this fine example of small-town America for about eight years. Both sides of her family went way back in that area. During WWII, there was plentiful employment both at the G.E. plant and in building the Landing Ship Tanks (LST’s) used exclusively during the War.
Her parents moved the family to Kentucky and after a year, went to Arlington, Virginia. Washington-Lee High School finished Carol’s basic education. Following college at American University, she worked at Fairfax Hospital as a Bacteriologist. This was during the mid to late ‘70’s. Incredible to think about, but true was the reality that, at this time, women weren’t allowed to have much credit except by having their husbands co-sign. This frustrated her-after all, she had a responsible job and was single. So, Carol attended George Mason Law School and switched her career.
Although they didn’t know each other at the time, Carol and James (“Jim”) MacKay worked in the same building in their careers as lawyers. Carol ended up working for the IRS in tax law simply because she was good at it.
Jim was an attorney for non-profits and employee plans at the IRS. He’s from Albany, New York. First, he was an accountant, then lived with his two aunts in San Diego while pursuing his own law degree. Torrey Pines, San Diego, was where you’d often Jim-golfing was his favorite pastime.
He moved to Arlington while Carol was still in law school. They met by way of friends. Jim was working with the husband of one of Carol’s friends. Two years later (why rush?) they married, and honeymooned at the Outer Banks, Ocracoke. They chose to have another honeymoon a few months later. This special time was spent driving from San Francisco to San Diego.
Today, their life journey is rich, in memories and living near their son. Andrew is married to a wonderful girl, who is mother to an eight-month-old beautiful boy named James Thomas. He is named for both sides of the family.
When Jim received an early diagnosis of a cognitive issue, they thought about their future and set about a plan to support living their lives as they encountered changes. The main reason they chose The Woodlands was the spacious, beautiful apartment styles, the indoor salt-water pool with the water aerobics courses.
Was it hard for Carol to give up her home? Yes! She was a young retiree, and felt it wasn’t yet time. Considering issues, however, brought about the realization that downsizing needed to happen while they were young and energetic enough to accomplish the daunting task. “It is amazing what you can accumulate!”
Moving to the independent lifestyle at The Woodlands brought about some observations. “It’s nice not having the obligation to fix dinner or maintain a home.” “Moving here, the on-site activities gave great opportunity to do what we could never do, and it supports my independence to this day.” “No worries about keeping things up.” “It’s not like leaving your life behind-I still go to activities I had before moving.”
While Jim’s needs grew, one room in their beautiful apartment also grew in becoming Carol’s perfect space, holding her office, a daybed, and enough area for online Zumba classes. She’s discovered the county and government “BARD” program, and downloads audiobooks, which accommodates her sight issues. These days, as Jim has recently moved to a community that focuses on his cognitive needs, Carol is adjusting to this tremendous change.
A parting observation about the support in living at The Woodlands sums up Jim and Carol’s journey: “The assisted living Gardens at Fair Oaks was perfect for our needs when we moved in, as Jim went to the Day Program for a long time. He’d come home at night, so we were together in the best possible way.” And the friends that they made in this welcoming community have provided extra support for the inevitable changes in life.
