The Saga of 69 Years

This story is a personal reflection by a 69-year-old man who lives in assisted living.

At 69 years old, I still feel like I’m sixteen. Living at Turtle and Crane, an assisted living house nestled quietly in town, my days are filled with memories that sparkle like stars and dreams that keep my heart youthful. My two daughters live nearby, their visits lighting up my weeks, and Carolyn, my caseworker, is a steady presence, always ready to lend a hand. My story begins long ago, in the mid-1970s, when I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Adelaide, Australia—those two years, from 1976 to 1978, profoundly shaped my spirit, teaching me faith and resilience. When I returned, life moved forward quickly.
I married Jaylene Clinger in the Idaho Falls LDS temple in 1980. I met Jaylene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints institute, located adjacent to the Eastern Idaho Vocational School. Our relationship grew fast, and in two weeks, we decided to get married. She is in heaven now, but while she was here, she inspired me to take on new roles.
I held many roles, from a special education aide at Rigby High School to a custodial supervisor at the Idaho National Energy Laboratory, even earning a sales award at Eastern Idaho Vocational School. Though I am single now, family remains my anchor. My education at Ricks College and Idaho State University laid a foundation that still supports my spirit. Each chapter of my life brought its own challenges and triumphs, and through it all, I have carried the energy and hope of being a teenager. Even within the walls of Turtle and Crane, I embrace life’s uncertainties with a smile, knowing that this journey, my saga of 69 years, is about more than achievements; it is about the spirit that has carried me through every step. In the end, I realize that youth is less about numbers and more about the heart we carry. At 69, with memories as my treasure and love as my guide, I continue to live fully, hoping to inspire others that the best years are always still ahead.