What if staying youthful and energetic after 60 wasn't just about exercise and diet, but also about passion and community? On this special family edition of the Veronica Edwards Show, we welcome back my incredible mom, Dorothy Vaughan, as we celebrate nearly 4,000 downloads! Dorothy shares the exciting adventures she’s been up to since her last appearance, from heartfelt family reunions in Florida to her meaningful caregiving support in Maryland. She also talks about her volunteer work at her old school and her new meal prep service. At 69 years young, she reveals her secrets to maintaining her vibrant energy and joyfully announces her new role as a great-grandmother. Dorothy offers a touching reflection on her fulfilling life, the enduring importance of family, and the cherished legacy of her late husband.
Dive into our celebration of empowerment and wellness through the inspiring stories of our standout guests, like Dr. Sophia Mitchell, Jade Williams, and Reverend Tamekia Milton. We discuss the crucial topics of youth empowerment, mental and physical wellness, and finding passion post-retirement. Dorothy shares her journey of discovering joy in new hobbies after retiring and expresses her dreams of seeing more young entrepreneurs shine. We also discuss our travel aspirations, the importance of caregiving, and maintaining a positive mindset, all while emphasizing the powerful role faith plays in overcoming life's storms. To wrap up, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the V Team for their unwavering support. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt moments.
What if staying youthful and energetic after 60 wasn't just about exercise and diet, but also about passion and community? On this special family edition of the Veronica Edwards Show, we welcome back my incredible mom, Dorothy Vaughan, as we celebrate nearly 4,000 downloads! Dorothy shares the exciting adventures she’s been up to since her last appearance, from heartfelt family reunions in Florida to her meaningful caregiving support in Maryland. She also talks about her volunteer work at her old school and her new meal prep service. At 69 years young, she reveals her secrets to maintaining her vibrant energy and joyfully announces her new role as a great-grandmother. Dorothy offers a touching reflection on her fulfilling life, the enduring importance of family, and the cherished legacy of her late husband.
Dive into our celebration of empowerment and wellness through the inspiring stories of our standout guests, like Dr. Sophia Mitchell, Jade Williams, and Reverend Tamekia Milton. We discuss the crucial topics of youth empowerment, mental and physical wellness, and finding passion post-retirement. Dorothy shares her journey of discovering joy in new hobbies after retiring and expresses her dreams of seeing more young entrepreneurs shine. We also discuss our travel aspirations, the importance of caregiving, and maintaining a positive mindset, all while emphasizing the powerful role faith plays in overcoming life's storms. To wrap up, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the V Team for their unwavering support. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt moments.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Veronica :
Welcome to the Veronica Edwards show, where we have fun financial conversations that everyone listening can apply to their personal and professional life. I'm your host, veronica Edwards, excited as always to be back here. Season three bizradious. Have to thank the v team. We are less than 200 downloads away from 4 000 downloads, and today's guest said we gonna hit it today. So today is a family edition. We have the number one v team member today, my mom, dar Dorothy Vaughn. Welcome back, mommy. Thank you for having me back. I know you've been requesting to be on, but you have a very busy schedule for a retired young lady. So it's been what? March of 2023, since you've been on the show. So we always start the show having the guests and listeners all about you, but since you've been on every season, we make this an annual thing. Please tell us, mommy, what have you been up to since last year? March went to Orlando, florida, to celebrate.
Dorothy:
CJ's eighth birthday.
Veronica :
Yes, my son, I'm so broke from that. Disney was fun.
Dorothy:
And July 2023, attended my annual 40 Palmer Smith family reunion in Tampa Florida.
Veronica :
Always got to shout out the Palmer Smith family Mommy. On average, how many people attend our family reunion annually?
Dorothy:
It varies. Last year was a very high number, so we had about maybe 450.
Veronica :
No, yes, yeah, we don't play around. We are that Black family guys. I have family reunion shirts, we have meetings and every year it rotates city. So it's an enterprise.
Dorothy:
Yes, and December. A family member, the godfather like a father. My brother-in-law had some health issues, so I went to Maryland. I started going quarterly December 2023. I went back in February and just returned last week in May, just to give family support and also to give them a break in the caregiving, because it was such a huge life change, not just for my brother in love, but also my sister and their children.
Dorothy:
So, me and I'm all about family and I just love family and it is important because that's where everything began, with family. Also, I've been ongoing assisting my Uncle John, who is now 88 years old, with his medicine management and going to the doctor's appointment with him to get clarity of exactly what is going on with him medically, volunteering at my school old school that I retired from working one-on-one with children with their IEPs, and I was doing that twice a week for like 90 minutes each day when I'm available. And I also started doing for the last six months I have been doing meal preps. Wow, for the son that my husband and I never had. His mom had ran into some health issue, can't cook anymore and just to help him out, came to me and asked me what I do meal prep. So I have been doing that also for the last six months. Wow, and doing me, you know.
Veronica :
Gotta do you.
Dorothy:
Yeah, Staying fit, getting my massage, you know, walking and also just keeping up my duties around my house. So all these things are rewarding to me and it keeps me going.
Veronica :
Wow, so much to touch on. First of all, we got to shout out Uncle Nat. Wow, so much to touch on. First of all, we got to shout out Uncle Nat, nathaniel White, the godfather Love him. Uncle John, we have a lot of family members that live well over. You're doing you love to do, and I'm going to skip to where we usually ask at the end, but I want to ask you. We always ask about tips and jewels for the guests to give to the listeners and, mommy, with you being a very busy retiree, you are a baby boomer. For those listening, baby boomers are between the age of 60 and 78 years old. What do you do, mommy, to stay young and fresh? Like you're saying, like you're doing all of these things and you know I'll throw your age out if you don't mind, sis.
Dorothy:
You're 69. You're 69.
Veronica :
I will be 70 in January 69 and fine, and you ain't slowing down. So what about those that are listening to us like well, I'm younger than her and I just feel tired, or I'm just not as happy, or all those things? What is it that keeps you going? What keeps you young and fresh?
Dorothy:
Well, Veronica, before I jump into that, there's one thing I did and it was very, very important I became a great grandma.
Veronica :
Oh, shout out to baby.
Dorothy:
X. I became a great grandma.
Veronica :
Wow, I am a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother, and it just keep getting better.
Dorothy:
Gigi. Yes, my tips, I would say. What I do is is my mindset, absolutely stay fit mm-hmm diet and I'm doing my passion. You know, whatever your passion is, do it, just because now that you are seasoned individual, it doesn't stop. I still stick to my passion. I, now that I am retired, that I am retired, I'm a widowed. So really, this is the first time in the last five years that. I'm only really responsible for me. I really don't have to answer to anyone but me.
Veronica :
All of us young married girls are like with a lot of.
Dorothy:
Don't get me wrong now, don't get it twisted. Okay, I do miss my husband dearly because the things that I am doing the traveling and the yard and the gardening and stuff, stuff these are things that I wish that he was here, that we could share together.
Veronica :
But however, it is what it is yeah, yeah, rest, rest in peace, daddy Vernon Vaughn love yeah.
Dorothy:
I can't change it. But what keeps me going also is that I embrace the 43 years that we had together Yep, and I'm just so grateful and I'm just so thankful and I am blessed that I had that Yep. Forget that and give the higher God the honor and the praise for that, because I am truly blessed, you know.
Dorothy:
so I keep that in my mind also, but I do have my moments where and especially those milestones like their wedding anniversary and the holidays, because he was so big on Thanksgiving and Christmas and his birthday and now Father's Day is coming up.
Dorothy:
But, I must say, as the years go by, it does get a little easy, but you never forget and you will have those moments. And when I have those moments, I embrace those moments, I ride the wave but I don't let it suck me down, because if I let it suck me down and I go there, then I know that I'm in trouble absolutely, and I'm glad you touched on that, mommy, because this is gonna air in June and some of the holidays in June is african-american music appreciation, father's Day, juneteenth, alzheimer's and brain awareness, but it's also International Widows Day.
Veronica :
So I really appreciate you providing some words of wisdom based off of your experience the last five years being a widow, and just letting people know like your life isn't over just because you lose a loved one, a beloved partner. That just means you have to change your mindset, like you said, and I love that about you. I would love, mommy, for you to touch a little bit more about how you stay fit and what you eat, because growing up, I feel like we ate pretty healthy, but we did eat a lot of meat and pork and this and that. So how has your diet changed in these last five years and what do you do to stay fit?
Dorothy:
Well, first of all I want to say, mike, your dad, my husband, really didn't eat a lot of meat. Okay, vern ate a lot of fish, he ate a lot of vegetables and you know, know fruits and stuff. But he was more nutritional conscious than I was and I know that was because of my upbringing, being raised in the south.
Veronica :
you know, with the pork and stuff like that, oh yeah, you got to kill and everything.
Dorothy:
You know, but as a child growing up, when they would actually slaughter the hogs, I would cry because I would say why are? You going to do that to the animals and certain things, certain parts of it I did not eat.
Veronica :
Okay.
Dorothy:
But I would say in the last five years, gradually, I'm changing to I eat very little meat. Now I intake at least 64 ounces of water plus a day Wow, I walk and I do all my yard work.
Veronica :
So and you have a big yard. Mommy be outside every day. She's like I do some yard work. I'm like what is there left to do?
Dorothy:
you're like there's something yes, it's always something to do and it's so big so I do it in increments. You know, I don't try to get out there and I don't. You know I'm in'm in pretty good shape, but I don't kid myself. Listen, lady, you almost 70 years old Period, so I pace myself.
Veronica :
Yep, and you live in Charleston, somerville, south Carolina. It's hot, I mean, the heat index is always over 100 degrees. So I remember growing up, I mean, if you didn't get yard work done before nine o'clock or after nighttime, okay, good luck yeah, yeah, I usually get up when I'm when I know that I have to do the yard.
Dorothy:
You know, um well, I'm up early every day, so um. So I get out there about seven o'clock in the morning and can knock it out. Especially my front yard is not as large as my backyard. So I get the front yard and, for whatever reason, it's two type of grass that I have In the front. I have St Augustine, and that thing grow real, real fast so I have to, in the summertime, like right now, I have to cut it every week.
Veronica :
Now the back-. What did you know about the grass? Okay, st Augustine.
Dorothy:
All right, well, I have to do my research, I have to Google it, okay, because I was curious to see, well, why this grass in the front grow so fast. You? Know yes yes, much faster than the one in the back, so I did a little research. And the one in the back, so I did a little research. And the one in the back is is a different type of grass.
Dorothy:
I forgot the name of it, but I'm just glad that it doesn't grow as fast so I can get away with not mowing that like two weeks, two and a half weeks, yeah, but that front yard every week now I have to do it and edge it and I just like it manicure and the most rewarding thing is like after I do it, right it just looks so beautiful. And then my neighbors, the guys they was like you, really work us hard, ms Vaughn, you make us look bad. I'm not trying to make you guys look bad. This is what I like and this is just what I do.
Veronica :
You guys got to work, I'm retired.
Veronica :
Yes, well, in everything you do, you take a lot of pride in it and it shows definitely in your house, in your yard. You've redecorated the house. You're always changing things out seasonally, which is amazing. But I also want to add for those listening, it's so key. Like you said, mommy, you are outside a lot and when we have our specials eat, sleep, move your feet that's the biggest thing is making sure you're getting enough vitamin D, making sure you're getting outside, even if you're just sitting in your sunroom or it's great to be outside, but that's the biggest thing. I'll call mommy. She's like girl, you know, I ain't by my phone. I'm outside and I love that because I know you're getting all of that natural good stuff that you can't, you know, pay for, get a shot for to make you feel better.
Dorothy:
Correct.
Veronica :
So yeah, so, mommy, before we go, you know you telling us about what you've been doing and, you know, in 2023, 2024, you know these last five years, but also you have been a huge supporter of the Veronica Edwards show and I call all my supporters the V Team and Mommy always leaves posts and she's always listening and she's always sharing. So you're officially mommy, I'm making the. You're the number one V Team.
Dorothy:
All right.
Veronica :
You're the number one V Team member. So, with that being said, I would love if you can share some of your favorite shows from season three, or any shows that you're like. Hey, I think this would be a good idea for the Veronica Everett show going into season four, so please let us know. V Team member. What have you enjoyed so far?
Dorothy:
Well, actually I have enjoyed all of the shows thus far since you started this, but there are a few that really, really, you know, just stands out, and one of them about the sweet taste of youth empowerment.
Veronica :
Pana Columbus, one of my new clients, Thrive.
Dorothy:
Athletia.
Veronica :
Yes, yes, and I also enjoy the empowerment in education, dr Mitchell, oh, dr Sophia Mitchell, friend of the family, dr Sophia Mitchell, friend of the family, mommy's friend, my friend, PhD in education, absolutely, and of course, jade Williams maintaining mental and physical wellness Eat sleep move your feet.
Dorothy:
I love that.
Veronica :
Jade call me. I've been emailing Jade. I need Jade back on before we wrap up. But, love Jade, I just think it's important, especially as black and brown folks, women, I feel like black women get everything. We get all the stuff that you could die from, and so I wanted to make sure on this show that we highlight health and wellness. So I'm glad that you like that, mommy.
Dorothy:
And I also enjoy your monologue celebrating six years of entrepreneur.
Veronica :
Entrepreneurship.
Dorothy:
Yes, I enjoy that. And I also enjoy the one with the special married edition with you and Carlos. That's a top one.
Veronica :
So the ones you listed? Sophia Mitchell is now surpassed. You, mommy, you were the number two.
Dorothy:
Download show who surpassed me?
Veronica :
Dr Mitchell. Dr Mitchell surpassed you last week. Dr Itaski Arnett is number one, dr Sophia Mitchell is number two and you're number three, and Carlos is way back number four with the marriage edition, but he's getting close. But yeah, those were amazing, amazing shows.
Dorothy:
And the other one. I mean they all are great, but you know, just certain ones just pop, you know, just stay with you and just so. They all are inspirational Because I learned so much and gathered so much information from all your shows. But I also like my grandniece, Reverend Tamiki Milton inspiring you know her inspiring journey and how she talked about.
Dorothy:
You know, just staying true to your passion and going for your passion. You know what I'm saying and that's important for us and we as baby boomers and seasoned adults, I feel a lot of times when people retired, and what have you? They might stop living. You don't stop. You got to keep going and you still got to keep your passion. And for me, I am doing things that I didn't have time to do. Right, you know working, raising a family. You know a wife, a mother, you know a caregiver and all that. So now I have time to really embark on my hobbies.
Dorothy:
That I like to do, and that's important because it doesn't stop when you retire. It just gets better. And that's important because it doesn't stop when you retire.
Veronica :
It just gets better.
Dorothy:
Well, Mami, I would love for you to share before we leave out. What are some things that you want to continue doing in 2024 and beyond? That well, one thing that it was something that you asked earlier what show or what guests that you could have on, and I would really like to see more young people, the youth that is in entrepreneurship or trying, you know, and just getting into their head, because the youth are our future. So, that I would like to see more shows on younger people.
Veronica :
Yep, yep. That's on the tree. That's a great idea. And then what about you, young lady? What do you have in store for, I guess, leading up into your 70s?
Dorothy:
Well, I just want to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm happy doing what I'm doing, and when I am comfortable again and I hope that's coming soon that I'll be traveling out of the country.
Veronica :
Oh girl, where are we going?
Dorothy:
Let's go to Paris. I want to go and see my daughter and your good friends in Dubai oh, in Dubai, I'm saying.
Veronica :
Nesbitt Fowler Kara has been there for the last almost five years. It was right around the time that they be posting pictures and stuff.
Dorothy:
Man, I'm looking at that car. I said man, they living large shout out to sheen one.
Veronica :
She one's been on the show doing amazing things karen educator, her son now I think must be if cj's nine, seven. So yeah, time is fine, but I'm down with that mommy. For us to definitely travel. We've talked about dubai, we've talked about africa, we've talked about paris, we've talked about all the things. So we just have to do it and, like you said, it's all about your mindset, it's not too late, at any age to travel.
Veronica :
I was just listening to a podcast where a young woman, at 86, got her first tattoo skydived, did all these things. She walks five miles a day and, similar to you, mommy, she says, what keeps her going is her passion and caregiving. When you are helping others, you really kind of have a different perspective in life and you realize, hey, I'm grateful. You know like there are things that I can complain about, but I'm grateful that I am able to help others and I'm not at a point where I don't necessarily need that help. But when that does come, just know, mommy, there's going to be so many people falling over to help you because you've helped so many people. Your whole life and that's really your legacy is how caring you are and how much you have given to your friends and your family. So, with that being said, mommy, thank you for being you, thank you for making time out of your busy schedule to get on the show?
Dorothy:
Do I have just like a minute or two minutes that I just want to share? Something about faith?
Veronica :
Oh, sure, you got one minute. We just got the call girl, you got one minute.
Dorothy:
All right, all right, faith. Faith doesn't always take you out of problems. It take you through the problem. Faith doesn't always take away pain, but it gives you the ability to handle the pain. Faith doesn't always take you out of the storm. It just calms you in the midst of the storm. Faith, keep the faith.
Veronica :
Yes, come on, prophetessess. Thank you, dorothy Vaughn, for that Faith rendition Before we leave out. And I want to thank the V Team for Listening always to the Veronica Edwards show Wednesdays across All platforms, on bizradious, and if you guys missed the live Airing, you know you can always listen to prior Shows at veronicaedwardsbuzzsproutcom. So we can hit 4,000 downloads. So thank you so much, mommy, and enjoy the rest of your month.
