I think this probably happens to many people who are planning retirements — at least I hope it does and it’s not just me 🙂 — but I have been having SO many feelings going through me these past several days. Actually, they began May 1st when “the countdown” got real. I took out the April Celebrant Schedule calendar from the sacristy and there were just two others remaining: May and June. Usually, I would add the third month as I always have three months of future celebrant schedules showing in the sacristy for everyone’s planning purposes. However, there is no need for a July schedule because I’ll be gone and that will be up to the new pastor.
I’ll be gone.
That’s the feeling that has got so many feelings running through me. People are beginning to emphasize the “lasts” for me: last First Communion, Confirmation, or Graduation, last spring concert, last, last, last. That certainly isn’t helping me any. 😮
I know it will be different and, don’t get me wrong, I am really looking forward to it. At the same time, retirement will bring about several — many, actually — changes and it’s going to feel different, strange, and weird all combined.
And each day seems to be going faster. It was just May 1st yesterday but no, that’s wrong. It’s May 7th already. Where did those other days go?
I guess it’s time to fasten my seatbelt and get ready for the ride.
That’s all for now.
Hello Fr Yadron!
I just recently started reading your blogs. I really enjoy them because they are so relatable. I’m going to let you in on a little retirement secret. You’re going to be ok!! 😊. I retired 2 1/2 years ago. Before I left my job I told my director it’s so sad to think all the doors that say employees only will not apply to me. What a horrible feeling! It was like I wasn’t apart of them any longer. What am I doing….should I be retiring?!?! My director reassured me she would get me a pass to go in the back areas when I came to visit. Phew…what a relief! So after retiring I spent time with my elderly mother keeping each other company. At 96 she needed help with some things. In 2024 mom had a stroke that affected her left side so I became her full time daytime caregiver. Because I had to be there everyday at the same time I felt like I was still working. I always teased her about coming there as my new job and when there were snow storms I’d tell her I might have to call off. 😂 I made many great memories during that time. Unfortunately, we lost her in February. She was so looking forward to being 99 in June but God needed her in heaven with my Dad. Soooo now I feel like I’m really retired and have so much extra time on my hands. In one way it’s so nice and relaxing but, when I think about why I have all this free time the tears start flowing! It helps that I still keep in touch with some of the coworkers as you will with your St Thomas buddies. My every day routine has changed, as yours will, but it’s really a good change. One of my new normals is going to daily mass at St James. I thoroughly enjoy spending more time talking to God in the morning these days. You will do things differently now, but you will find your “new normal.” You can plan trips anytime now or make any appointments you need to make when it’s truly convenient for you! Sleeping in, going to bed later, taking naps whenever you want, being able to watch your favorite shows without having to tape them and the best thing is you can start and stop a project if you want cause there’s always tomorrow! 😊My new moto is…I do what I want when I want and if I want!! 😂 you’ll be just fine father. You’ll wonder down the road why you were even worried about retiring. Heck we could even meet for lunch or dinner some day now that we’re both retired!!! 😊 I’m sorry this was so long but I felt I needed to share everything with you since I had the same feelings you are having now.
Happy retirement!
Carol 😊
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Carol! And I’m glad you’re enjoying your retirement!