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Retirement becoming real

For some reason, today, July 31, 2025, my status as a retiree became very real.

First, usually this is the last day of any time off I have until, really, Christmas. School contracts start tomorrow. But not for me. I have no syllabi to write, no lectures to compose, no meetings to attend, no meetings to chair, no nothing related to my former place of employment (except still trying to work out my Medicare issues). 

I have no burdens upon me except ministering to family, teaching a Bible class, keeping my home and yard in order, following Christ, living healthy, and maintaining relationships. Yes, I should be writing, but I do not have to.

Retirement does make you aware that you are no longer important, and that you are not as strong as you once were. I have caught, somewhere--either from a trip to Maryland or from my granddaughter or from some public place--a nasty cold. I am wondering if it is COVID, really. Nausea, pain, chills, congestion, and a splitting headache. Mostly overwhelming fatigue. I figure I'll be over it in a couple of days, but . . .can I really make that assumption?

Being sick and not having to worry about responsibilities for the first time since childhood is rather nice, although if I were well I would be achieving a lot of cleaning and yard work. I am now fully retired, fully aware of my status in this new world, and fully content in it. The concept of going back to work is quite repulsive now. I will take a nap to get over this cold. In September I am traveling to Turkey with the church members who have also chosen this adventure. 

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