Retirement is a tremendous stage of life. Instead of jumping up and heading for work every day, I can jump up and head out for new adventures. Not that my job wasn’t full of adventures. As a classroom instructor with ages kindergarten through seniors and a few college students as well plus acting as a professional development trainer, I had plenty of adventures with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers. The difference is that most of my new adventures are of my own creation based on my likes and wants and desires. I am not confined to four walls in a school but rather have the entire world at hand. I am taking full advantage of it all.
My husband and I love to camp and hike, the rougher the better. During our first years of less responsibility we have visited many of the attractions of our state that we had zoomed by in the past. From the highest peaks in Nevada to caves painted with Native American hieroglyphics or pictographs, we have discovered the wonder of nature and the natural. Campgrounds provide necessities like water and a toilet, but wilderness areas where we toss out camp cots and sleeping bags are excellent, too. We love to visit with other people and we revel in the silent companionship of just the two of us. Our state is a large one and so there are many more journeys ahead. Coupled with travels throughout the country and on to foreign lands, we will be quite busy and content.
Retirement also has brought us three delightful and beautiful grandchildren. You have heard folks rave about how wonderful this stage of life is, but let me tell you first hand, it is even better than described. Grandkids come and stay a few days and then they head home. This gives “Pa” and “Ma” the freedom to dance and sing and play, and then send them on their merry way as we recuperate and prepare for their next visit with us or our trips to visit them. Our grandkids listen to us and follow our rules. While they may challenge Mom and Dad on certain items like bedtime and snacks, as grandparents what we say goes with little or no fuss. Because we are different and not a constant presence, all three of these children respond to our wishes with special happiness. Fortunately, they love the out-of-doors and so we play in the backyard, take hikes and ride the four-wheeler, and then head for more fun. Toss in the best Christmas present ever, a red Flyer wagon and trips around the neighborhood and life is a joy where adventures abound.
Exploring in your own backyard and then a few steps beyond is great fun. If I had realized the excitement and thrill ahead, I might have left teaching a few years ahead of schedule. I’d miss my amazing students but I think the rest of life could have filled in quite neatly. In fact I know it will be terrific fun.
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