Retirement should not end this way. There should be parties, cards, hugs and handshakes. There should be the ruffling through the files, papers, and mementos that represent years of teaching in a classroom. There should be excitement at starting the next phase of your life, and plenty of people to share that excitement. There will be a sense of closure, of fond fairwells, and knowing that you can always visit the kids.
But retirement does not always end this way. Rick made a trip to the school and the district office because I was emotionally unable to. Papers were signed and letters written from home. We told a few people and there was little joy in the reaction. It is a "have to" retirement for medical reasons. I am retiring to continue my battle with cancer, in hopes of a much longer remission. This is no picnic. No travel plans. No excitement about starting new projects and developing new interests.
For many people, certain life changing situations interrupts the natural flow into a "retirement state." I am by no means alone in the way retirement is coming to me. Even our superintendent had to retire in this way, due to stress and heart problems.
What I need to do now is find redirection. Rethink goals and ways I can still meaningfully contribute. Love my grandchildren and enjoy my family and friends. Eat right, exercise, and keep mentally energetic and busy. Life is precious.
