We are of that age, I must confess. We are getting older…not old, just older. And some things mark this age. Some of our friends are struggling with significant health issues, and others with downsizing or moving. And others are retiring.

Now, having retired 3 times, I can tell you that it is both frightening and exhilarating. Losing touch with people who like being with, and wondering about your finances as you give up a steady income, really makes you wonder. As well, having had a purpose to get up every day and do something, and suddenly not having that is an eerie feeling. At first, it’s a vacation. But then, as everyone else moves on, well, you can feel left behind.

This week was the retirement of my, or I should say, our good friend Rob. I first met Rob in 1969 when we moved to Scarborough. I was really friends with his brother in the beginning, but his brother Don moved to the USA, and we have not met in years. Rob and Shelley, however, have been in our orbit for decades, and we’ve worked together a few times now.

Rob is a measured man. He thinks things through quietly but then speaks with insight and wisdom. They are fun to be around, and we have much in common. We are so glad that they retired in Edmonton, too.

Wednesday, we met at the Edmonton Valley Zoo and celebrated his retirement! Welcome to the club, Rob.

It was a rainy day, but inside the tent there was lots of warmth and joy.