Another One Joins Our Club

Today is my friend JAM’s last day of work. After several years working for our local university, she has decided to retire. So today, when she leaves her cubicle for the very last time, she will be on a one month vacation before her formal retirement date at the end of the year.

I know exactly how she is feeling today. I can still remember my last day of work nearly four years ago. After spending weeks cleaning out my office and files, I thought I would be misty-eyed and depressed as I walked out the door for the very last time. Instead, what I felt was an unbelievable sense of relief…as if the entire weight of the world was now lifted from my shoulders. Yes…retirement can be a scary thing with all the financial considerations and the fear of not having enough to do each day but it can also be a very liberating experience and one filled with all sorts of planned as well as unexpected adventures.

Tonight, Rick and I are taking JAM out for a celebratory dinner. And, on JAM’s first day of freedom tomorrow, what will she be doing? She’ll be going to a holiday crafts fair with her already retired playmate…me! She and I have already compiled a long list of things to see in the Southern California area and the list keeps growing. And who knows…maybe I’ll even get her to start a blog. You just never know…

So today, please help me wish JAM a very Happy Retirement!