Retired!
That's it! No more teaching in schools as of 3pm yesterday.
I had a lovely send off by the school. All the children were seated in the hall with me sitting on the 'special' chair at the front, while various children stood up one at a time to say what they had enjoyed most about learning to play the recorder. Then a presentation of a huge card signed by all of the children I've been teaching this year, some other cards from individual children, a beautiful bouquet, and a card from the admin staff (see photo). I can't show the huge card as it has all the children's names on it but I can share the poem they'd written inside, which goes ...
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You are retiring,
We love you xx
I will see them all again in the not too distant future as I'll be going back to the school in September for an afternoon to run a brass instrument workshop with the year 3s in the hope of getting some new learners at the youth band. I also plan to go in and listen to reading from time to time, and my name is staying on the list of helpers for school trips.
I felt quite emotional last night and this morning feel a bit 'empty' ... not sure if that's the correct word ... but I know I've made the right decision so now it's time to look to the future and get on with enjoying this retirement lark!
I totally understand. It's an emotional emptiness. It's not just the doing, it's who you do it with and it is perfectly natural and quite right to feel that gap. It's been a big part of your life after all.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are staying in touch and I know you will enjoy the ongoing unpressured connection. Most of all, I am happy that you had such a lovely send off.
WELCOME TO RETIREMENT XXX
Congratulations! Happy retirement! I'm sure it must feel a bit strange at first, but, you'll probably adjust very well to being retired. I'm glad you had a good send off! I have specifically stated that I do not wish to have any sort of send off, because I know I will get all emotional and make a fool of myself!
ReplyDeleteYou have just turned the page of the next chapter in your life ... it's an amazing mystery, adventure, love story, thriller of a story! Congratulations on your retirement or finishing one chapter of many ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and so the next phase begins. The universe doesn't like a gap so I'm sure you'll soon be busy againx
ReplyDeleteArilx
Congratulations! I just finished year 10 of retirement, and have nothing but great things to say about it! May you enjoy yours to the fullest!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the retirement! Sounds like you had a lovely sendoff!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will feel empty, it's a big step but what a lovely send off they gave you. I have no doubt that your days will soon be full and you will wonder how you ever fitted work in!
ReplyDelete