Retirement Flower Arrangement
Today, June 15, 2011 is my last day of work, it’s hard to believe. After working different jobs for 43 years, I am now retired. I’m not sure about that word yet, it still feels like a word that I have heard other people use but I have not connected it to me yet. I think it will take several weeks until it sinks in. Whenever I left one job, it was to go to another one. This time, there is no job to go to. I guess my new “job” will be to have fun and explore the USA.
Last night at the Commission meeting they gave me an absolutely beautiful flower arrangement. I love flowers and this arrangement is so colorful and it really touched my heart that they gave me this lovely gift. I had it on my desk at work today and now it’s home adding lots of color to my apartment.
This afternoon there was a retirement party complete with the best cake ever!!!
Retirement Party Cake
It meant alot to me that in addition to the people from City Hall that I work with every day being there, people from every department came to wish me well and have some cake and refreshments. The Mayor and Commissioners, and other people that we work closely with made time in their busy schedules to come. As my boss said, it is a bittersweet time, not only will I be missed, but I will really miss everyone. I’ve enjoyed the time I worked there and the people I work with. The words that people spoke about me and working with me, and the cards they gave expressing their good wishes really touched my heart. They all wanted to be sure that I am safe on my travels and that I don’t get lost so they gave me a really nice GPS with lifetime traffic updates. Learning to use this handy device will give me something to do on the road since I don’t have a television. This thoughful gift will remind me every day how much I am cared about and remind me of the people I have worked with for the past 10 years. Everyone will be with me in spirit on my expedition. I also was given an emergency travel emergency kit with lots of tools, first aid items, jumper cables, etc., a book called Off The Beaten Path with more than 1,000 places to visit, and other items I will be able to take on my trip.
This gathering of coworkers was really nice. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to have all of us get together for a pleasant reason. Too often we get together when someone dies and we are at the memorial service. I got to hear a life experience tribute about me while I am still alive. What a blessing. I know that the words expressed were not given lightly and they were meant sincerely. I’m extra thankful that I get to know how much I am respected and appreciated.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the next chapter of my journey through life. It will be interesting to watch it unfold and share my experiences as they happen.
