And one of my railings, only about seven years old, just snapped off in the middle. I’m going to wait until I have several small jobs before I call one of the local fix-it gentlemen. I’m lucky with my plumber - he will first give me a suggestion about how to fix the problem, but then comes by very soon if I can’t take care of it. There was a local panic when he briefly decided to retire and move away. You could hear the town-wide sigh of relief when he changed his mind.
Sounds like you are keeping your academic hand in, in the service of your church. It’s so rewarding when we can transfer our skills to something more rewarding than money.
When my father-in-law began doing this with my mother-in-law (trading the same birthday card back and forth), their three sons adopted the tradition, though they would each have to find a new envelope because they had to mail the card to their three different locations. It continued for several years until the two youngest died within a year of each other. I don’t remember who was left with the card, but it was a cute way to remember each other.
Thanks for the update, Dana. Despite my first year of retirement spent traveling, beginning with a trip to Southern Spain and Morocco the day after my last day of work, I often felt kind of lost, missing my job and work friends. The second year was better when I took a part time job as a clinical instructor that lasted for three semesters, until the move to our retirement home here in the Poconos. Seven years here and I’ve been very happy with volunteering at church and other organizations while shepherding the grandson through middle, high school and the first year of college. Life is good. I let my nursing license expire two months ago- no regrets.
Congratulations, Hung! I hope you will share more of your story of the years since July 1981. But even more, I hope you and your wife do something special to celebrate your “together” retirement 😊
Andrew, in addition to your moving reflection, your above comment, “We often never know the difference we’ve made, and I find that both humbling and encouraging,” is a sentiment that has motivated me for a long time. In my case, as a home visiting nurse (think Call the Midwife), I tried to spread seeds of hope and comfort, usually never knowing if those seeds grew or not. That was okay. In several wonderful cases, I learned that the woman and her children had not only survived but had come to thrive.
Comments
With good reason, Dan. I know a story of a do-it-yourselfer that’s too sad to share here.
Post: Reluctantly Saving Money
Link to comment from July 8, 2026
And one of my railings, only about seven years old, just snapped off in the middle. I’m going to wait until I have several small jobs before I call one of the local fix-it gentlemen. I’m lucky with my plumber - he will first give me a suggestion about how to fix the problem, but then comes by very soon if I can’t take care of it. There was a local panic when he briefly decided to retire and move away. You could hear the town-wide sigh of relief when he changed his mind.
Post: Reluctantly Saving Money
Link to comment from July 8, 2026
Sounds like you are keeping your academic hand in, in the service of your church. It’s so rewarding when we can transfer our skills to something more rewarding than money.
Post: Retirement, One Year On
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
When my father-in-law began doing this with my mother-in-law (trading the same birthday card back and forth), their three sons adopted the tradition, though they would each have to find a new envelope because they had to mail the card to their three different locations. It continued for several years until the two youngest died within a year of each other. I don’t remember who was left with the card, but it was a cute way to remember each other.
Post: Exercising true frugality
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
You did not mention that! You almost always make me laugh, Dick, which I am told is the best medicine. Thanks for today’s dose.
Post: Exercising true frugality
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
😂😂😂
Post: Exercising true frugality
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
Thanks for the update, Dana. Despite my first year of retirement spent traveling, beginning with a trip to Southern Spain and Morocco the day after my last day of work, I often felt kind of lost, missing my job and work friends. The second year was better when I took a part time job as a clinical instructor that lasted for three semesters, until the move to our retirement home here in the Poconos. Seven years here and I’ve been very happy with volunteering at church and other organizations while shepherding the grandson through middle, high school and the first year of college. Life is good. I let my nursing license expire two months ago- no regrets.
Post: Retirement, One Year On
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
Congratulations, Hung! I hope you will share more of your story of the years since July 1981. But even more, I hope you and your wife do something special to celebrate your “together” retirement 😊
Post: Retirement, One Year On
Link to comment from July 2, 2026
Thank you, Andrew. I’m so glad that Mrs. Dolezal sent you that letter.
Post: A Letter 40 Years Later: What Mrs. Dolezal Remembered
Link to comment from July 1, 2026
Andrew, in addition to your moving reflection, your above comment, “We often never know the difference we’ve made, and I find that both humbling and encouraging,” is a sentiment that has motivated me for a long time. In my case, as a home visiting nurse (think Call the Midwife), I tried to spread seeds of hope and comfort, usually never knowing if those seeds grew or not. That was okay. In several wonderful cases, I learned that the woman and her children had not only survived but had come to thrive.
Post: A Letter 40 Years Later: What Mrs. Dolezal Remembered
Link to comment from July 1, 2026