Life Story and Reflection by Aly Campana

5 words to describe older adult

campana3_1 — 2024-02-10 03:06:28 UTC

mature
wise
elderly
intelligent
smart

My Older Adult

campana3_1 — 2024-02-10 18:29:00 UTC

Nana Campana

Grandma

April Interview

Phone Call

Yes

Family

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 14:55:08 UTC

Nana has one child, David, and now has two stepchildren, Rhonda and Tom. She explained that parenting was one of the best gifts and that there's not words to truly explain it. She loves Christmas because it's the one holiday where everyone makes an effort to be together. Additionally, Nana has 7 grandchildren and she loves being able to make them laugh and give them an 80 year old perspective. She always tells them to enjoy life and to not be so serious! Nana also provides myself, and those around her with the best advice and wisdom.

Spouse

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 14:58:37 UTC

Nana met her current husband, Ron, at a church dance. She was very impressed by him when he asked for her to dance. She found it funny that he was scared by the fact that she was a teacher. Ron also shared with her that night that he went to buy Disney videos for his grandchildren, which he currently did not have. He bought them so his future grandchildren would have them which she found sweet. When they were dating he had decorated the outside of her condo for Valentine's day before she had work. They now have been happily married and have created many memories.

Growing Up

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 14:58:54 UTC

Her first memory was living in her house in Madison, Wisconsin. Her house was right across from the Arboretum and her Mom and Dad built it.

She lived with her Mom and Dad, but didn't meet her Dad until the age of 3. Her dad served in the military as an engineer in the Philippines.

School

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 19:20:48 UTC

Nana didn't play any sports growing up as that wasn't normal where she grew up. She went to a Catholic school and girls at this time were not involved in sports. Her favorite subject was reading and history. Nana still enjoys reading to this day as it's a very individualized hobby that you can do anywhere.

Later on, Nana went to college and then became a teacher and librarian for several years. She taught gifted students in literature as well as working in the media center. Nana also served as a union representative for the Teachers Union and worked with the negotiating team. Nana stated, "I would never change my job if given the chance"

Hard Parts of Life

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 19:28:41 UTC

Nana shared with me that her divorce was a very difficult time in her life. She spent 25 years with her prior husband, who served in the air force. She shared that it was a difficult change in her life. Now that she's older, it's hard to see those you love get sick. Nana also said that sometimes you worry about life and how long you're gonna have left.

Favorite Memory

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 19:31:14 UTC

Nana's favorite memory is visiting her mom in a long term care facility. Her mom was staying in Madison, WI and she had driven up to spend time with her. Even though her mom had Alzheimer's she enjoyed being present for her.

Thank you letter

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 19:46:09 UTC

Reflection

campana3_1 — 2024-04-29 20:19:57 UTC

campana3_1 — 2024-04-30 13:25:34 UTC

Nana and Husband, Ron

campana3_1 — 2024-04-30 13:26:02 UTC

campana3_1 — 2024-04-30 13:26:26 UTC

Advice

campana3_1 — 2024-04-30 13:28:37 UTC

Nana told me that the best piece of advice is to enjoy the imperfections of life. She said that you should find something to appreciate on a daily basis. She said, "It's important to enjoy what you're doing right now". She also said to try to learn something new everyday!