Lulu with her grandsons Karmel and Davion.

Meet my friend Roselyn.     

Though Roselyn is a lovely name, I know her as Lulu.     

I got to know Lulu working out at the Fitness Center. We’d be up there at the same time — early in the mornings. Early like when it is dark outside early. Then we started taking a cardio weights class together and we’d do spin.     

You can observe a lot about a person spending an hour or so with them every morning. (Like when it’s dark outside early.) And I’d hear about her on the job adventures.     

Then one day the group of us compared ages. Women eventually do that when we become comfortable with each other. I guessed Lulu was 35.     

I was really off.     

She exudes youth and humor. And she is one busy lady. The kind of person you want to know better…or her secret for doing so much, giving so much and looking so fabulous. I really want to know about the looking fabulous part.      

Where did you grow up?      

I was born here, raised here and plan on dying here. I went to primary school at the Pearl Street School and graduated from Morgan County High.   

Lulu and with her daughter, Robin. Davion and Karmel.

My husband, Delane, and I have been married for 28 years. We have a daughter Robin who works at the Wal-mart in Putnam County. Her son Karmel Ward is three. My son, Delane, Jr., is 23 and he works for the county. Delane’s son, Davion, is my newest grandson at three months.     

Tell us about your business…     

My business is Anderson Domestic Services. We specialize in elder care and child care. If a child gets sick, I can come stay with them so mom and dad can go to work. We also clean as well. But I don’t do pets. Well, I guess asking you to take our cats on an extended holiday is out. Besides I remember you have lots of fish. The fish might not like our cats hanging around.     

Her husband, Delane.

I’ve seen your truck up at the school — often before school starts?    

I mentor two children. One child is in the sixth grade at the Middle School and the other is in first grade at the Primary School. I go once a week. I love that time and they look forward to me coming. So you wake up early, workout..then go to enjoy time with your mentees — all before your work day begins. Wow.    

Now what is your workout routine? How do you stay so youthful?    

I workout every Tuesday through Friday. I’ve tried about every class they’ve offered. This includes Zumba and yoga. I’ve do cardio/weights and spin. When I’m not doing a class — I do cardio on the bike or elliptical, then weights and resistance training.    

With workout buddy, Karen before the last Madison in May 5K.

 I notice you at the pool early in the mornings.  I enjoy going to the pool (Morgan County Aquatics Center). I started going because I was scared to death of the water. I’ve come along way. I’m still not comfortable with putting my face in water. But I’m getting there.  

I meet friends up there in the mornings once a week and we do our workout before work. It’s been harder to get up there with the cold weather, but I hope to get back there soon. I agree with you on the pool. It’s a great workout…but hard to get there on those cold mornings. Though I have to admit they keep the Aquatics Center very toasty.     

I also enjoy participating in the local races. I don’t always have a partner joining me…but I have a great time out there with everyone either way.     

Son, Delane, Jr., with his son Davion.

What would be a perfect day?    

A perfect day for me would be to come home from work to my house clean. There would be no dishes in the sink. No children or children’s noises. It would be quiet. Just a peaceful day at home by myself. Clean and quiet. Sounds like heaven. That’s part of the reason I get up so early too…it’s quiet. It’s also dark…which helps with the not so clean part (around here).    

What is your favorite age with children?    

I would have to say nine months to two years. After three years you just want to…  I’d rather deal with the little ones than the big ones. In our conversation Lulu said this with much laughter…but I had to ask if it (raising children) gets any better. She laughed, “Never.”  Oh dear.    

Do you have any advice for woman trying to do it all — and feel some days like they are coming up short?    

You always have to take time for yourself. I always did. Even before there was a gym to workout — early in  the morning I would go up to the track. My husband would fuss at  me for going up there so early but it was my time. I’d talk with God. Sing praises and no one would be there to tell me to be quiet. Everyone needs time alone to think.    

Thanks Roselyn. I couldn’t agree more with the need to take time for yourself, even if it means setting that alarm extra early.    

Your life stands as a beautiful example of positive, God-filled energy. Age can’t place boundaries on that attitude and spirit.  What more can anyone ask?    

Take care and God Bless…Be seeing you at the gym.