Ep. 47 - When Caring Becomes a Calling

  Podcast Show Notes Summary In this heartfelt episode of Your Life Over 50, Jean sits down with longtime friend Edna Gabaldon, whose life has been dedicated to service, caregiving, and faith. Edna shares her remarkable journey of 33 years of government service, including 20 years in the United States Air Force as an operating room technician and 13 years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a social worker helping veterans navigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Throughout the conversation, Edna reflects on the deeply personal side of her work—supporting veterans through trauma, guiding them through the VA system, and witnessing moments when clients rediscovered hope. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight of helping others heal, especially while also navigating similar challenges at home with her husband, a Vietnam-era veteran living with PTSD. Edna also shares the personal values that shaped her life: faith, service to others, resilience, and family. From raising three children who followed careers in service and healthcare, to caring for her husband through illness while recovering from her own stroke, Edna’s story is one of perseverance and gratitude. Listeners will hear thoughtful reflections on: Life lessons from a career serving veterans Balancing caregiving, family life, and demanding work Aging with grace and faith The importance of community and connection Practical wisdom for those entering the second half of life Edna also discusses the joy of staying connected through a long-running virtual book club, a simple but meaningful way to maintain friendships and avoid isolation later in life. With honesty and warmth, she reminds listeners that life’s journey may be challenging, but it is also filled with blessings—especially when approached one day at a time with faith, gratitude, and compassion for others.