Make Your Retirement Day Something Special

Apr 27, 2018, 3:25 PM

PGTiger's thread about his retirement brought back memories of Feb. 28, 1086, the day of my retirement. I had mentioned to some of my co-workers that when I retired, I was going out in style. It took me almost two months to clear out my files, complete some publications and get rid of "junk" accumulated over many years.

On the morning of Feb. 28, 1986, my wife drove me to my office, arriving before most of the staff had arrived. My arms were filled as I walked in. I had my tux, my briefcase, a bottle of champagne and a champagne glass. Having the champagne was a bit risky because it was a no-no. The morning and early afternoon was filled with last minute details, chatting with all the employees and biding my time.

About mid-afternoon, I closed the door to my office and put on my tux. My desk was clear of clutter for the first time in ages. Even the "In - Out" tray was stored away. The only thing on my desk was a lamp and a glass of champagne. I dialed our Administrative Aide and asked her to come down to my office to check over some last minute details. I also told her my door was closed but to come on in.

When she opened the door, I was sitting in my chair wearing a tux and holding a glass of champagne in one hand. She burst out laughing and hurriedly left. A few minutes later she returned with all of the female employees. They had planned to give me a bottle of champagne as I left but gave it to me then. Several had brought a camera so they took many photos of me and the girls.

Normally, I drove my own vehicle to work but on this day my wife drove me to the office and came to pick me up that afternoon. She arrived a short time before the end of our work day wearing an outfit similar to that worn by professional chauffeurs. She came to my office, picked up my briefcase and other items and escorted me to the vehicle. In the meantime almost everyone in the building had been alerted re my departure and were there to see me off.

My wife opened the back door to the vehicle and, after I had settled down, placed a blanket over my legs. She closed the door, started the car and away we went. That was 32 years ago and there are still a lot of things that have not been marked off on my bucket list.

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Make Your Retirement Day Something Special

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