Donna was born and bred a fundamentalist, a child of Free Methodists, Her father was "called" to teach the word at a little college in Kansas where "we were poor but pure." Her parents took her to tent meetings and Youth for Christ Rallies. Donna says, "They laid on hands and prayed over me, I tried hard, searched my soul, but found no God and was ashamed. I was caught quoting Voltaire and sneaking out to the Channing Club in Las Cruces, New Mexico, obviously showing no regard for my soul!"
Then she discovered the UU church. She was not very active but UU-ness became part of her identity. She says, "Here were other people with whom I could share a life view. I liked feeling unique but not feeling alone in my uniqueness. I sought out UU churches when I moved across the country, was a minimally involved UU in NH, finally settled in Massachusetts and found the West Newton church. I needed the social support and wanted my children to grow up with liberal values."
The church supported her and she supported the church. The Unitarian church in West Newton became her family. Now a single mother with two children, she gave back as she could, singing in the choir and serving on various committees (Canvass, Buildings and Grounds, Extended Programs). After what seemed a long wait, she met and married Charlie and moved to Carlisle where they found their place at nearby Bedford UU. Donna continued in the choir and was active in many of the same roles as in West Newton, adding Adult Education and lay leader service coordination to her repertoire.
When it came time to move to a warmer climate, a compatible UU church was a requirement! She followed Sarasota UU through the web site for months before arriving on the scene. After close to a year of telecommuting back to MA, her retirement gave her a chance to become fully involved.
"I've had two marriages, two children and three grandchildren (from the first marriage). I've also had two careers (over 20 years in each). In education, I was an elementary teacher, a college instructor and supervisor of student teachers, and curriculum developer and teacher trainer in early childhood special education. In my high tech career, I was a technical writer, writing computer manuals and help systems for mid-sized and start-up companies. Most of the time, I have been in leadership roles: as director of non-profits, chair of a college department, and manager of technical writing and training groups."
Now that she is newly retired, Donna hopes to find more time for neglected hobbies, including photography, flute playing, reading, bridge, cooking, and gardening. Donna and Charlie sing in our choir at our church. In addition, she is swimming, biking, and going to the health club more and wondering where the time goes!