SHORT CUTS
2019When Stefanie’s spouse died after four decades of marriage, she found herself living alone for the first time, at the age of 75. She bought a condo and moved in, hoping that she could meet people at the pool or in the lobby. But the new friends she was hoping for never materialized. Then she heard about a home-sharing program, where she could invite someone to be her roommate. That’s how she met Jane, 69, who fled an abusive marriage and lived independently for 20 years, but now wants to be around people her own age. For the past year, Stefanie and Jane have been roommates and best friends. In the background is the fact that Stefanie is transgender (she came out to her children the day after her spouse died) and Jane is realizing she’s a lesbian. The two women wake up every morning, cook breakfast, listen to classical and jazz music on the radio, volunteer at the Art Institute of Chicago, and support each other in their lives.
