Donna Jean Gregory Penrod:
CLASS OF 1968
Ft. Madison High SchoolClass of 1968
Ft. madison, IA
Donna Jean's Story
I have lived in Texas, Ok, Illinois, Indiana, and now back in Iowa. I attended IUPUI in In., while working. My husband Ron and I, hosted exchange students for 8 years, and put one through high school, Rustam was with us four years. He is from Kazakhstan, Alex from Russia, Jenny is from Germany, Susann from Germany and Marie from Sweden. Nina also was from Sweden.
We also kept a mentally challenged boy in our home for over a year that required 24/7 care. We had a large home in In. and opened it to many other kids in turmoil, and also adults that were down and out. It was the most rewarding experience of my life. We also raised paint and quarterhorses, had mini horses, donkeys, and mammoth Jack. They were loved deeply by the kids. All of our girls return every year from their homeland to see us. They are our children.
We now live on a small farmette in Montrose, and have a quiet life with four dogs and a persian that we love very much. Life is good and retirement is wonderful. In total we owned ...Expand for more
four different businesses, a restaurant and lounge in IN. which had me occupied for 12-17 hours a day. We finally realized life is too short, and turned our attention to retirement and returning to Iowa. I miss Indiana, and many dear friends, it was close to Louisville, in the rolling hills, and was so beautiful. However, they too call all the time with visits. I nearly lost Ron three years ago, and having him with me is a daily blessing that I thank God for. We do not need a large home, a fancy car, or many other things. You separate need from want. If you can retire, do it, don't wait till you feel you can afford it. It all falls into place, money or not. All we had for many years of hard work was poor health that was a daily regular, but once we relieved ourself of stress, it has indeed helped our health. We are comfortable, and are happy, and that overrides anything else. To all reading this, take care of yourselves, and learn to adjust and to enjoy life, one day at a time. God Bless!!!
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