Evelyn
Evelyn fondly recalls the days when her home in Queens was filled with family and friends. She loved entertaining others and prided herself on her ability to cook and maintain her house. As a buyer in the garment district for 21 years, Evelyn was fiercely independent and fashionable. She supported herself financially, and never thought about marrying.
However one day, a friend introduced her to a charming man. They were married within a month and remained so, happily, for almost 40 years. “He always loved surprising me,” she recalled. “And I was always surprised. Those are the best things in life. The things you don’t go looking for.”
She is still quiet each morning when she gets out of bed, forgetting her late husband is no longer sleeping beside her. “Those feelings don’t leave you,” she said wistfully.
Although Evelyn relishes in the happy memories of her past, her present reality is one of great difficulty. Once 5′10″, she fractured two vertebrae in her spine. Evelyn’s body never healed properly and she lost four inches. “I’ve got pains I never had before,” she said. Fearful of another fracture, she is constantly trying to build up her bone density.
Evelyn is alone with no family nearby to care for her. She can neither cook for herself nor maintain her own home as she once did. “I don’t go anyplace,” she said. “I don’t do anything.”
Despite her infirmities, Evelyn is grateful. Always trying to remain positive, she says, “I thank God every day for every day.”
For an older woman who can neither shop or cook for herself, let alone entertain as she once did, Citymeals is a blessing. The nutritious meals and friendly visitors she receives each day nourish her fragile body and soul.
Even though Evelyn can no longer host parties , Citymeals still gives her something to look forward to each day. “Citymeals is just a godsend. You don’t have to worry. They give you everything. For the holidays they always send a package, so thoughtful.”
