Retirement is no big deal statistically speaking. Multitudes step out of the working world every year. I remember when my father retired at 63, two years earlier than typical in those days; I remember my mother's retirement party a few years later. But I don't remember either of them obsessing about ending their careers.
They just retired--with a big smile and a sigh, I might add-- then went about the rest of their lives.
So most likely I'm over thinking my imminent early-retirement at the ripe young age of 57. My husband tells me I think too much, but then for him the reverse is true.
In the car he once answered my question, "What are you thinking?" with, "Nothing. I'm driving."
Nothing? Is that even possible? He says it is.
Friday my good friends gave me a retirement party that they said was so "me." It was perfect. I enjoyed it to the fullest-- laughs, hugs, warm wishes, tears, and so much more-- and breathed a sigh of relief when I got home. It's all over but for the last ten days of school.
This morning I opened a cabinet to get out a box of cereal and there on the inside of the door hung the calendar-- my son gives me a new cat calendar every Christmas. I saw that I'd written "The End" on June 20. I don't know when or what I was feeling when I wrote it. There's no punctuation. No exclamation point, or even a question mark. There's no smiley face or sad face. Just the ambiguous "The End."
I think of the past 35 years-- longer really, because I knew I wanted to teach in first grade and moved single-mindedly toward that goal since I was six. And now in a blink . . . finis!
But the calendar doesn't end on the 20th, nor do I, and I know this as well as anybody. I picked up a red pen-- a teacher pen-- and wrote "The beginning" on June 21st!!!!! :>)
At the party I heard over and over again, "You're lucky. You have so many interests. You write. You take pictures. You'll be so busy you won't even miss this."
I want to believe them. But I know better.
~~~~~
~Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.~Jacques Martin Barzun
Comments
You looked terrific on Friday, in every way.
xo
j
That's a good new photo of yourself.
The photos you take (I've been meaning to mention for some time) are so lovely. The irises are particularly wonderful as I watch the flowers, trees and crops growing up around me here in Northumberland in sunshine and warm weather after such a rubbish winter.
Of course, Van Gogh's irises come to mind too.
But look at all the twists and turns, wrinkles and shapes revealed by your photograph. And colours!
An artist friend of mine once painted a picture of a jar on an open window's sill, and a small American flag beside it. Perhaps in honour of Memorial Day. I believe she told me some folks in the USA call irises "flags" ... the name of her painting.
Ain't nature and art wunnerful?
Are you taking your personal things home from school gradually? Or will you pack them all into a box, bundle it into the boot of your car and roll away on 20 June?
Shine on!
I love the playground reflection, and your lovely new buddy icon! You look fantastic! I hope you enjoy your time left at school.
And here's one for Bruce:
Once, a long, long time ago my mother lay awake worrying and my father finally asked, "What are you thinking about?"
To which my mother replied, "Time and money, what else is there?"
I wish you both in your retirement.
Bon voyage and bien viaje on the next leg of the journey, and please stay in touch...
By the way, I was the same way in that when I started grade 1, I decided I wanted to be a teacher, and voila! I was! and still am with the tutoring I do. :D
And the new picture is wonderful! Glamour girl retires.
I loved the way you shared your retirement story. It's really a very exciting time of life. I had people say the same to me about having lots of interests ~~ but I do miss my church, my Bible Studies,and the people I had been with so long ~~~ But I'm also loving our new retired life.
I wish you the best of everything in your retirement. I will, like Tere miss your teaching stories. They are all wonderful.
Alice
There will surely be things you miss but think of all the plusses - no early morning alarm clock, no more teacher meetings, no icy drives, no more refereeing squabbles. I have four more years (and yes, I'm counting!) before I can retire. I'll remember to write "The Beginning!" on my calendar the day after :)
Jen~ Thanks, and so did you. Wish we got more time to chat.
Bob, Thank you, too. And it looks like you've got yourself a new pic, although I'll always be partial to the squint into the sun look.
Ross~ Yes, irises are called flags. Love your unique observations. You should have a blog, but . . . hmmmm? Have I said that before?
Leslie~ You're a role model.
Carter~ I'll be a little afraid to say, "I bored." I know how you can crack that whip!
Pauline~ No alarm clock just sold me. I think I'll have a ceremonial burial for it.
Wanda~ If anyone knows, you do. You're still new to the whole business.
Dave~ Turns and bends sounds exciting. Just around the corner . . . you never know what's there.
Karna~ Never would have thought that, but . . . when I retire:>) maybe I will.
Alicew~ Not to mention you retired and moved to Paradise!
Next thing to do:
Read the book of Ecclesiastes, written by Quoheleth after a very remarkable and extremely full working life. See if you can figure out what he's up to in writing it.
Happy New Adventures.