Paschal Baute

Some years ago, I unexpectedly found that Lexington, Kentucky, my hometown, had its own chapter of Spellbinders – a national nonprofit group connecting seniors with children through Storytelling.

This is it, Aha, at last! I knew I had found what I wanted to do when I grew up.

Now, I am triply hooked.

Paschal BauteMy last full school year saw me performing for more than 3,000 school children in twelve locations. Wow! I never expected to have this large measure of joy and delight. My wife says I have always been a “ham” at heart.

Now certified as a Spellbinder trainer, I also engaged in training others, as well as teaching courses in the Power of Storytelling for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kentucky.

My encore is also about demonstrating that a disabled blind veteran can remain productive, after blindness rehabilitation training with the Veterans Administration. In the 20 months since my VA training, I have published 12 books on Kindle and six on Amazon. My goal is to create a €œwellness bookshelf for caregivers and counselors, incorporating relevant disciplines – a mindful total wellness.

At age 85, this book writing is my 4th encore career. Others included prison ministry, interfaith spirituality and Spellbinder Storytelling to schoolchildren. These activities are reduced, not stopped since my blindness five years ago.

Having survived the onset of Stage 4 cancer 23 years ago, I am incredibly blessed in my life and can never give enough back. I have found many ways to offer sources of hope and courage to diverse populations, children, adults, those with special needs, in prison, volunteers, disabled veterans and families, and those coping with loss.

I remain vital at age 85, swim two miles per week, 100 per year. What I would like the world to know about older workers is that, with the RIGHT ATTITUDE, care for one’s health and lifestyle, we can contribute much, and leave a heritage of examples for others.

(Learn about Paschal’s latest children’s book, Lottie Mae: The Turkey Who could Not Stop Dreaming.)