Retirement is not without Hassles: Friends and Family #28

I just returned from a trip to Indianapolis to see family.  In the process, I also stumbled across a few friends that I hadn’t seen in awhile.  I’d call them “old friends” but that would admit that I’m old, too.  Everyone seems eager to know what retirement is like, especially those that are still working.  To them it’s still that elusive carrot they are chasing.  I’m happy to report to them that every night is a Friday night and every day is a Saturday.

I have found myself envious of adventures that fellow retirees have enjoyed – just like the work days when other’s jobs seemed more glamorous.  It sometimes feels like everyone else has more money and better ideas on how to spend it.  The places they visit are more exciting, and they’ve got something else planned that’s even better!  I listened to a friend of mine talking about a three-week East Coast journey he was about to take to meet up with old friends and “freeload” as much as possible.   The first thing that came to mind was how “lucky” he was to have that much free time for a trip down memory lane and only a very loose plan on “when he would be where.” The funny thing was that I was doing the very same thing that he was about to do – visiting friends and family,   His trip just sounded more adventurous, and I was being envious of something I was already doing.

It’s only been eighty days since I retired, so I guess it really hasn’t sunk in yet.  I have same advantages that all my co-retirees have.  We all have some money, a lot of time, and big plans.  You can’t always keep up with the Jones’ but you can learn to be happy with what you have.  I’m grateful for good health, great love, and freedom.  I wish I could share it with everyone, but no matter where you are in life, there’s always someone better off and another that needs help.  It’s good to be in the middle – to just have average hassles.

Another recent conversation on this trip “back home” was with an old boss who had been retired for a few years, and tired of traveling.  He just built a new home that reminded me of the luxury hotel we were staying in that night.  He’s up-sizing when the rest of us are down-sizing.  I guess I could have been envious of that, as well – but I don’t want to be tired of traveling. My fondest memory of this particular boss was his simple philosophy  to the success of any relationship – whether in the honeymoon or retirement stages of life.   It was just “nine little words” and I wrote a poem about it a few years ago:

I’m Sorry

I was wisely advised,

A long time ago.

Of nine little words,

I needed to know.

 

I’m sorry,

You’re right,

 I’m wrong.

 

In patching a friendship,

Keeping peace with a spouse.

Words that will keep you,

From the dog house.

 

You’re right,

 I’m sorry,

 I’m wrong.

 

Use these nine magic words,

The order is up to you.

Say them with meaning,

Any combination will do.

 

I’m wrong,

 You’re right,

I’m sorry.

 

It’s what to say,

When you’re a jerk.

Healing words,

That really work.

 

I’m wrong.

I’m sorry.

You’re right

 

A lesson to learn,

In the game of life.

Words of wisdom,

Between husband and wife.

 

I’m sorry,

I’m wrong.

You’re right,

 

Say them with meaning,

And often repeat.

I promise these words,

Will lower the heat.

 

You’re right,

 I’m wrong.

I’m sorry,

 

Six combinations,

Nine words any way.

Old fashioned math,

Keeps trouble at bay.

 

You’re right,

 I’m sorry,

 I’m wrong.

 

Always wrong or sorry,

When you have a fight.

Just remember,

You’re never right.

 

I’m sorry,

You’re right,

 I’m wrong.

 

Johnstonwrites.com

Copyright April 2009