Today we’re off to Russia. It’s a surprise.  Ron, my father in law, is retiring from the job he has had for 40 years. 40 years!  We’re sneaking in to surprise him on his last day of work after four decades of service.

What a privilege to have that kind of security, to move into your late years with security, pension, and pride of accomplishment.  I remember as a young adult thinking that the word “retirement” was one of the most depressing words in the English language. Now? I think it’s a word that drives me into a state of wonder. Celebrating not only retirement but the man who sacrificed many things to stay in that one place in his whole life; for family, roots, and belonging.  I am so proud of him.