THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Over the past week, I attended the retirement parties for three of my former colleagues at Brebeuf College.

Joyous celebrations, they marked the end of long and successful careers. As well, they signaled a time a new beginnings and entry into a world often referred to as "life in the slow lane."

Some would say that retirement brings with it a sense of loss of power or purpose. Indeed, it does take some time to adjust from being a big fish in a large pond to being a little fish in an ocean. Others would say they miss the order and routine that goes with a full time job or career.

For me, the biggest change was the realisation that I now was now part of a group that I used to think was the exclusive domain of oldies like my parents. My pride foolishly kept me away from the Thornhill Seniors' Club for several years as I didn't think I was ready for the wrinkly crowd.

Nine years in, I now appreciate that retirement is the richest part of one's life. It's a time to draw closer to one's beloved, a time enjoy the blessings of grandchildren, a time to enjoy a wide variety of new friends and experiences, a time to freely share one's gifts and talents and a time to make every effort to be a positive force in this world.

The world of retirement is one where compassion trumps competition, a world where willing the good of others is the norm, not the outlier.

Make no mistake about it: retirement brings with it a host of new challenges and surprises. But as I always to say to my newly minted retired friends, know that the best is yet to come.

Anne, Cathy and Mike....Enjoy your retirement.

You richly deserve it.