Monroe, NY

Member Since July 2003

My Story
My name is Edith Bard. I am 86 years old. I was born in Vienna, Austria and lived under the Hitler Regime for 2 years. Luckily, I survived and was able to come to the United States at age 16. Both of my parents perished in the Holocaust -my mother was 47 years old and my father was 57.

Life was hard in the beginning, I had arrived in the states with $5.00 to my name but after awhile was lucky to find a job that paid $5.00 a week for 60 hours. After my brother came home from the army things improved greatly.

Years later I met my husband Marty, and we just celebrated our 53 anniversary. We have one son and two grandsons.

I always liked sports such as swimming, hiking, ice skating, and bike riding. I also liked to smoke cigarettes, which I did for 30 years. One day I had trouble breathing and quit cold turkey. I promptly gained 20 pounds which stuck to me like glue. I did Thai Chi for 6 years which I enjoyed very much, but didn't loose an ounce. Then a friend of mine told me about Curves, which I knew nothing about. I joined in 2003 and have been there since. Not only did I loose 16 pounds, but I gained muscle, strength, and endurance. Last year I happened to trip and cracked a couple of ribs. Five weeks later I was back at Curves. My Doctor attributed this to the good shape I was in. I go to Curves 5 time a week. Thanks to Curves I am able, at my age, to do all the exercises, and feel wonderful.

I still drive all over the place, (but not at night), and I do OK in the memory department, but my hearing leaves alot to be desired. I love to do crossword puzzles and my weekly Mah Jongg games. I even win sometimes.

I forgot to mention that I used to volunteer at Arden Hill Hospital for 11 years. This made me feel like a nurse, something I always wanted to be.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I made 4 of the most WONDERFUL FRIENDS AT CURVES. I think of them as my daughters. We go out to dinner together, play games, and enjoy each others company. I am ONE LUCKY WOMAN!