Signing Papers

When I hear the phrase "Signing Papers", I think of college or NFL sports commitments or even signing papers for a home mortgage, but  two weeks ago I signed papers of a totally different kind. I  signed the official papers for my RETIREMENT. It's unbelievable, almost unreal. I've worked in public schools for 33 years. It's the only kind of work that I've been involved with since earning my college degree in education. A retired teacher friend had told me that you just know when it's time to retire. This school year, I knew it was time. I just wasn't sure that we could handle it financially. We do have a son in college. DH and I decided to investigate my options and were pleasantly surprised that it would work for us.

It seemed when I first began teaching, that retirement wouldn't ever be an option. I was struggling to find my place in the work world. I couldn't envision sticking with anything for 30 years. Then there was a time when it seemed like I had been in a public school forever and retirement was still a long way off. Before I knew it, I had enough time vested, but wasn't sure I could walk away from something that I had done for so long. I haven't done anything in my life as long as I've worked in public schools. With all the different emotions and thoughts, I still knew it was what I needed to do. This is my opportunity to be a wife and mother, first. My job always dictated our lives. The choices are unlimited. I want to take it slow and explore every option. Of course I still have two months or 33 school days left. June 1st is officially when retirement begins. My friend Brenda told me "you're glowing." Yes! What a blessing! My faculty was informed today at our faculty meeting that I am retiring so I don't have to keep quiet any longer. My retired friends - Pat, Carla, Susan, Teresa, Carol, Sue - I'm joining your "club."