So much to consider....

For many of us as we have gotten "older", there has been the goal of retiring. Considering words again, what is a goal? Finishing a race we reach the goal, Making a touchdown we finish the play. Working on a project with a deadline (another interesting word) we complete the project. Just maybe retirement is NOT a goal, but a mile marker. It does indeed mark a place in my life that I have been anticipating, planning for. But what is it?

As I get closer to the date - about three months and counting, I am becoming more excited. With so many health issues the last two years, I am beginning to see that "light at the end of the tunnel". No, the light is not an oncoming car headed straight for me, but it is also not the end of the road either. It is a point where I will exit from what has felt like a tunnel where there has been minimal light, a place where the boundaries have been restrictive. Exciting, hopeful, freeing...all these describe some of my feelings.

While there are other, less pleasant feelings - they are few and beginning to recede: The anxiety of walking away from a high paying job - to a limited income. Having a number of ongoing health issues, the fear of not being able to afford the medical insurance. The wish that Jan could retire at the same time and yet knowing that for us to have medical insurance that she needs to work for a while. This one is also receding some as she gets more enthusiastic about the possibility of getting a national position in her professional nurses' organization.

So much to think about... And there is a side of me that is surprised that I am looking forward to doing the house cleaning and the laundry. (I say that now) And even the cooking (say a few prayers for Jan). I am already beginning to collect recipes.

And I know...I KNOW...that the One who has walked with me hand in hand during every stage of my life will continue even as I (We) walk into this new time of my life. Exciting, that's what it is.