Retarded Retirement

This is the first day of my third retirement. I have a list of things to do:

1. Piddle
2. Nothing
3. Nap

I once read a child’s description of his grandparents’ retirement but confusing the words, stated that the grandparents were retarded and moved to Florida and lived in a retarded community. It seems appropriate because we can retard the pace of activity and explore the things that will enlighten and enhance our lives. I believe that makes retirement, whether retarded or otherwise a benefit we have paid the price for over time.

It is an understatement to say I am lost but there is a sense of focus on how to approach a purpose – excitement, expectation and fulfillment are lined up. Today I will begin the search for my magic wand. If it is a pencil, okay, if it is a stick, I’ll sharpen it into a lance and tilt windmills. Either way I will win. I’m flying high.

Clarence Urmy summed it up nicely in “The Things That Count:”

Not what we have, but what we use;

Not what we see, but what we choose—

These are the things that mar or bless

The sum of human happiness.