I figured since I was doing it I had better check out what it meant. Little did I know the number of options from which I could choose. So many options.
Definition of RETIRE per Merriam Webster Dictionary (1) to withdraw from action or danger: retreat (2) to withdraw especially for privacy: retired to her room (3) to move back: recede (4) to withdraw from one’s position or occupation (5) to go to bed.
It was time. I was only working part time, but at a certain age your body rebels, and you wonder what it would be like not to have that hassle of working when perhaps you could be learning a new form of art, traveling, going to concerts and museums. Oh, heck, I just wanted time to enjoy my grandkids and my life.
So what does this look like? Hm. Definitely a withdrawal from danger (No. 1). I could get a paper cut or trip over my own feet falling into a rack and ending up in the hospital. I could go with the No. 2 definition and retire to my room. Boring! No. 3 would be wonderful. I could move back to Neff Road and enjoy my friends there. But it is different now. Mom and Dad are gone. So is my home back that lane. Yep, you can never go back. And, most important, my family is here. Now No. 4 seems to hit the nail on the head. I didn’t just withdraw. I walked out the door with a lively step and a smile on my face. Withdraw makes me feel as though I should have been hiding inconspicuously behind a shrub, sneaking my way to my car. Ah, and then there is No. 5. No more early rising. No more dreading the next morning. No more noisy alarm clock to intrude on my peaceful sleep. Ah, yes, I will do my fair share of No. 5. So many choices, and I get to do them all.
I was surprised that the list of definitions did not include ‘re-tiring’, as in re-tiring a car. I get new tires and have my tires rotated. I am a bit like a worn out old tire. The tread is getting thin. When I park the car, the tire seems to relax into itself. When its flat, its flat. Seems that this is a pretty good description of my next phase of life. I am getting ‘re-tired’.
Ah, yes, this special time of my life will be full of love, family, home and probably some new tires. A spring trip back to Ohio. Adventures I’ve yet to find. And, a new man in my life. Sweet retirement. I think I like it.
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