Retirement: the end of an era?
Ray Thomas left his family farm in South Australia when he was in his 20s and moved to New Zealand. He has always loved writing short stories and watching sport. He married an amazing woman 16 years ago and they both retired three years ago. They love family life, travelling, spending time in their large garden and fostering young children.
The day dawned warm and sunny. Nothing unusual about that, as this was summer after all.
I had been retired for almost two years, so days tended to be the same. However, today was going to be different.
The last 14 years of my working life, I worked in a large department within the local hospital.
One of my bosses, Barry, (not his real name) was unlike any boss I had previously worked for. Barry stood out because no matter how busy he was, he always made himself available, by putting other staff members first. Many times I required his urgent help. Not once, did he ever say “no”. Barry was well known within the department and the hospital at large, for being that sort of person. A softly spoken, hugely respected friend of many people.
Today was his retirement after almost three decades of loyal, continuous service.
Today was his day.
Today was the “end of an era”.
Because of the respect I held for him, it only seemed right and proper to attend his farewell morning tea held in the department, where we had spent so many hours together.
Everything was great. The room was full of staff members, many sitting, with others standing in any available space.
The speeches, the fantastic morning tea and a “life sketch” of Barry during his years within the department, resulted in much laughter and the odd tear.
Suddenly, among the 50 people, I became confused.
Here I was, surrounded by these people, many of whom I had worked with for a number of years. Some had become friends.
After retirement, if I was ever in the hospital for any reason, I would sometimes call in and say a quick “Hi” and a brief catch-up with some staff members.
Today when I entered the department, I noticed on the photo board of all staff members, I counted at least 20 staff I did not know. These were staff who had started since my retirement.
Despite the large number of people, I felt very much alone and out of place. “What am I doing here?” I thought to myself, and “I don’t belong here”. Most of these people did not know me, and I did not know them.
When I worked in the hospital, I wore my uniform. I felt as if I “belonged”. I felt “special”.
After retirement and dressed in my normal clothes I no longer felt like that. I was now, no different to most people.
Today I realised and accepted that I no longer had that close relationship with the staff. We had all moved on with our lives.
Today it became obvious it was time to stop visiting, and make a break from my working life. Yes, I will keep in touch by email with one or two friends, but nothing more.
Today, I accepted that not only was it an end of an era for Barry, but it was an end of an era for me as well.
How appropriate this enlightenment happened the same day this amazing man retired.
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