MOWCTX Takes “a Load Off of My Mind”
September 25, 2017
“I was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and we moved a lot, for reasons unknown. I used to say my daddy stole chickens and my mother told fortunes,” says Victoria Kashe with a chuckle. But that nomadic lifestyle obviously left a deep impression on her; after graduating from high school in Ft. Worth, she went to work for Braniff Airways as a flight attendant. “[Airlines] fascinated me [and] I wanted to see places other than Ft. Worth,” she explains.
Ms. Kashe spent five years multi-tasking at 35,000 feet, ensuring the safety and comfort of her passengers. “Anybody who’s ever flown [for a living], we’ve all got stories, and all of mine are in that,” she says pointing to a large book on the coffee table in her Round Rock apartment. Using the pen name Cristine Cashay, she wrote “Flying the Colorful Skies of Braniff International Airlines”, a collection of first-hand accounts of life in the air and on the ground told by those who flew for the Dallas-based carrier back in its glory days.
Her journey from Braniff attendant to author was not a direct flight, though. There were several stops in between - different jobs in different places, including, at one point, working as a costumer and wardrobe assistant on several films and TV commercials. She also found time in her mid-40’s to go to college, graduating four years later with a degree in Psychology. Five years after that, her life changed in an instant.
In 2002, Ms. Kashe suffered a massive stroke that left her partially paralyzed. “I never regained full use of my left hand or my left leg or my left side. I can’t walk by myself,” she says. She uses a cane or a wheelchair to get around the apartment she rarely leaves. But that didn’t slow her down. She decided she wanted to be an author and went on to write four books: the one about Braniff, as well as three works of fiction.
While the writing may come easy, cooking for herself does not since it’s difficult for her to stand. But our home-delivered nutritious meals help her maintain her health and her independence. “I’m a diabetic. I was borderline for years, but after the stroke I was full-fledged. The meals I receive [from Meals on Wheels] are good for diabetics, which is a load off of my mind. I don’t have to think about it. I just eat it,” says Ms. Kashe. She also enjoys the visits from our dedicated volunteers who deliver her lunch - especially Bill Edlund, who rings her doorbell every Monday, hot meal in hand. “Bill gives me a weather report, because I don’t go outside. He’s always in a good mood” she says.
She credits our meals and volunteers for nourishing her body and spirit: “I know the food is good for me because I’m not the world’s best at sticking to a diabetic diet. And I get to see Bill.”
Sit back and enjoy your flight, Ms. Kashe. Meals on Wheels Central Texas is honored to provide you with first-class service!