I’m on a flight from Seattle to Paris, France and do not have internet service.  All I can do is sit here and watch movies or sleep, which may come soon.  I just finished, “The Lion,” a true story of adoption.  It’s a very emotional tale of an Indian child who lost has family and was raised by a loving couple from Australia  As tears streamed from my eyes, I was surprised not to be asked if something was wrong.  I’m an adopted child, so it was particularly meaningful.  Nothing like a good cry at 30,000 feet.

Since there was six hours of flight time still remaining I then went for the double-feature: “The Founder,” another true story about McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.  Since we started the day with an Egg McMuffin, it only seemed appropriate.  However,  I paused the movie because it began to remind me of work, something I gladly gave up at the beginning of this year.

It is a classic sales story of rejection and persistence, eventually leading to success.  It took me back to those days before cell phones and the internet.  All you had was a pocket full of change, an appointment book, and an assistant, if you were lucky, that you could call to get your messages.  Ah, the good old days!

How many times in retirement will I recall the good old days?  I think it was one of those gray-haired tendencies that I once found annoying.  I remember when…..Well, here I am doing it!  Next, I’ll probably be seen in public wearing black socks with shorts and sandals!  Reminiscing, just like crying, feels good.  I’ll have to add them to my list of what makes for a good day!

Emotions are a big part of my life right now.  I’m grateful to be alive long enough to enjoy retirement.  I’m lucky to be on this trip to Paris with some of my best friends.  I’m fortunate to have had a successful career, found the love of my life, and to have children and grandchildren to carry on my legacy.  Most importantly, my life would have been so much different if it weren’t for my adopted Mom and Dad who gave me love and opportunity at a time that might have been filled with painful rejection.

I love happy endings.   Now, back to the movie, and a retirement of making more Good Old Day memories.