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A quiet life

by Zack Conkle
After driving 14 miles to the nearest grocery store, Janice and Austin Cook debate about who should get what on the grocery list. Because of the distance to the store, the Cooks are constantly thinking about what they would like for meals.

For Janice and Austin Cook of Hardin County boredom is not a familiar concept. Despite being passed the age of retirement they still are up-and-about enjoying life to its fullest.

While Austin, 78, continues with his part-time maintenance job at Elizabethtown High School, Janice, 74, volunteers as a teacher’s assistant in her daughter Marsha Adams’ classroom at Helmwood Heights Elementary School. She also helps out at Lakewood Elementary School where her daughter Lori Cook is a counselor.

“I would say I’m happy,” Janice said, “I can still smile and mean it.” She has found with her 38-year teaching experience that “if you give more than you take, you’ll be happier with yourself.”

Austin and Janice have been married 55 years. For 41 years they lived in Elizabethtown, and for 14 years they’ve lived on Summit Hill. They have three grown daughters.

Although admitting life has slowed down compared to 20 years ago, they are still quite active both in their community and on their 104-acre property. Everything that they do is something they enjoy. Whether it’s attending church, doing chores, or volunteer work.

“We live a simple life,” Janice said, “We’re at the point in life where it doesn’t take a lot to entertain us – a quiet evening at home and reading.”

But, staying active is still important. “We both agree that the longer we stay a little busy or exercise the longer we’ll stay healthy,” she said.

Even in retirement, Janice Cook continues her 38-year career as a teacher’s assistant by volunteering in her daughter Marsha Adams’ classroom at Helmwood Heights Elementary School. "There’s just something about working with children," Janice said. "I’ve always felt that if I could just help one of those children make a decision to really want to do and be a success then I’ve been a success for that year."
The Cooks hold hands as they return to their car after visiting Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in LaRue County. They can often be seen on "mini vacations" around the Hardin County area.
Janice Cook socializes with fellow church member Mamye Beauchamp after a service at a Church of Christ in Leitchfield. Janice and her husband Austin attend church on both Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Mamye cqed in phone book
Unable to clearly hear his menu options, Austin Cook gets help from wife, Janice, to order his dinner at Sonic.
Janice and Austin Cook eat breakfast in their home in Summit. "I would say I’m happy," Janice said, "I can still smile and mean it."
Austin Cook, 78, cuts ham for his wife Janice, 74, so she can make lunch at their Hardin County home. They’ve been married for 55 years.
Janice Cook helps her husband Austin stack bits of wood on their tree-covered, 104-acre property. "A woman’s strength don’t last as long as a man’s," Janice said. "So he’s stronger than I am. All I can do is assist him in it."