Drinking my morning coffee, I’m pondering the number of coworkers I have watched retire. I know the number is substantial.  I’ve heard peers say they were counting down to retirement. Funny, some started with the first payroll check. On the opposite end, I know workers that love what they do and cannot image a day without it. Sadly, life happened for others and retirement was the forced alternative to the best laid plans.

At retirement receptions, I’ve witnessed childlike giddiness at the thought of throwing away the alarm clock. I’ve also seen tears of joy, indecision, change, and fear. Through each event, I smiled, sniffed, congratulated, sympathized, envied………..and then went on my merry way. I would go back to my desk, tackle the next project and never ask—–what exactly are you counting? I assumed it was days left to work (I admit I had a pile of paperclips), but what do you count when you reach the official day?

It’s my turn. My retirement breakfast has come and gone. Watch in hand, it’s just a couple weeks before the official date. Dang, when did May 1 get so close to the doorstep?  I should be counting something. I should have paid more attention, asked more questions. I mean, what exactly does one count with the official date so close? What do you count when the paperclips and the paycheck are gone? Is it days, hours, expenses, or projects to do? Is it the pounds you gain now that I’m cooking? Is it the number of items on the honey-do list before “honey” explodes? Is it the things that may drive your hubby crazy now that you’re home everyday? (He doesn’t like the way I load the dishwasher:-)

I figured it out. It’s BLESSINGS. That’s what you count.

• Opportunity, mentors, laughs, talented and smart peers, visionary bosses, coworkers, education, memories, safe travel, audio books, music, podcasts, retirement plan, industry friends, and life’s lessons. Teachers, community, forever friendships, good health, and a long career in the rural environment. The ability to adapt to and with change. A work family that pulled you up and along when grieving.

• A supportive and loving family. Healthy children and grandchildren, siblings, and close friends that kept me in the loop even when I was always working or studying. A renovated home that finally came together.  Sleeping in my own bed. A view that is peaceful. Gorgeous sunsets.

These are the things I’m counting. Blessings.

Retirement is not the end of the road. It’s the beginning of the open highway……………..

Life is good….but cold and windy today……. on Windy Hill. Adventure awaits…….well, when it gets warmer…..