It’s simple and easy to say that when you leave laboring for a living or going to a job every day that when retirement comes it’s great.

I must say that I am a firm believer that there is a time and place for you in life to do just what i did this year. Retire and start a new chapter.

I have found that I am not a person that must have a place to go every day or a routine to follow every hour waiting to get off work or start a project on a day off. I have found that it is comforting to be able to be sitting here at this time, this hour doing what I want to do. Not having to get ready for tomorrow and the start of another work day. I’m selfish that at this time in my life and I do like having my freedom of choice. The choice to do what I need to do when I want to do it.

Of course I do have my driving forces that help me stay focused on daily and motivational activities. This force starts with Christine who has been my rock and reason for where we are today and our children who now have their wives and children.

In fact I have found an opportunity now that I realize I missed in the earlier part of life. Making time for what is important and now allowing things to slip away.

So much emphasis is always on doing what is needed for the family allowing for the growth within the unit. Now it is different simply because a focus can be placed in a different area, the enjoyment of being totally involved in the growth of our grandchildren. My role now as a grandfather is to support their growth. To teach and guide. I only hope that I can become a “go to” for all of them.