Everyday is a blessing for Narooma’s Dot Goulding, mother of three and grandmother four.
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Dot was the wife of well-known local tennis coach Stephen Goulding who passed away suddenly several years ago from a heart attack, even though he was a fit man.
“He had a defect in his heart, the same defect that his father had, and his passing was sudden,” Mrs Goulding said.
Stephen Goulding was well known among the tennis fraternity of Narooma, having coached many budding tennis players for the 17 years he lived there.
“He was such a good tennis coach,” Mrs Goulding said, “But even though he thoroughly enjoyed his tennis, he really loved his golf.”
Mrs Goudling was also heavily involved with the tennis club over the years running the Saturday morning comps and was president of the tennis club for two seasons.
After the initial shock of losing her husband, Dot continued to live her life to the fullest.
Dot plays tennis with the A grade ladies on Thursday and takes a yoga class twice a week on Tuesday’s and Friday’s.
“I walk on the beach every day and during the summer and I like to swim in the ocean – not miles and miles just a good healthy swim,” Mrs Goulding said.
“I started Yoga about three years ago with yoga teacher Merdie Banson. We do a one and a half hour class twice a week where we learn to stretch, relax and feel good.
“After yoga we often go for coffee together or just take a walk on the beach.
“People ask me if I’m lonely and I tell them no, you just need to take a walk on the beach.
“You always end up talking to someone you know or you may just pat their dog and end up talking to them for half an hour.
“Everyday is a blessing and even if you walk to the clothes line when you have a sore foot, you have achieved something,” she said.
Dot also likes to do community volunteering and spends some of her time helping people suffering from cancer.
“Sometimes I just get asked to drive them to an appointment, but then when they get to know me I might help them with some of their housework or other chores.
“I don’t like to sit around and do nothing, I iron when I watch the TV, it’s therapeutic.
“But of course, when the grandchildren come and stay with me, it all stops and I spend all my time with them, we have such a good time, they’re beautiful,” she said.
“I still mow my own lawns with a push mower and I have ¾ of an acre.
“When I go away, my neighbours mow my lawns and when they go away, I mow their’s.
“Next year for my 70th birthday I want to go St. Petersburg,” Mrs Goulding said.
