​A dear friend is retiring in a few days. She is a nurse – a loving, caring, conscientious professional. She says she is excited for the next phase of life. I am so happy to have her join the club! Welcoming you with open arms sweet lady! I hope you get to answer the “What’s it like to be retired?” question with, “You don’t wanna know…it’s THAT good!”

She sat beside me all day 3 years ago yesterday, encouraging, clarifying, taking notes, giving hugs, empathizing with the heart wrenching loss of a loved one that I wasn’t able to face alone.  I know she remembers that day. I know she remembers my gratitude. I hope, as she moves on to the next stage of life called retirement, that she recognizes her nursing legacy is filled with stories of such days. So many lives touched in gentle yet strong ways.

Most nurses work with a subtle fear of making errors that may affect the well being or even the life of another.  Those mistakes never lend the opportunity for do overs. Some nurses thrive on the strive to never make a mistake-everrrrr.  Trust me, that’s who I want when I arrive in the ER bloody on a stretcher!! Others find the stress of that unachievable goal finally leads them down another path. Still others grow and learn and find their place, balancing the demands with the rewards.  My sweet friend achieved that stage in her career, and now can move on with her head held high, knowing in her heart and soul that she is not done touching lives in her unique way. She is simply moving on to the next phase.

What next? Enjoying the journey, treasuring the moments of tranquility, seeking out new adventures……and so very much more.  Fill in the blanks!

James Taylor has some wonderful things to say about all of this.