as of today, the magic number is 16 which indicates a new chapter in our home. it symbolizes achievement, loyalty, and perseverance. also, it represents a new routine, adjustments, and compromise.
donna has 16 more working days before she retires. she has worked since she was barely an adult. her professions have taken her to several places inside and outside the USA. having had at least three major career changes and many jobs within those careers, her time has been filled with excitement, danger, fulfillment, frustration, and stress. and now, she can say good-bye to full-time work.
anyone who knows donna views her as a super-energetic woman. as such, her retirement years will include projects, occasional part-time work, and continual learning. donna is a lifetime student and a voracious reader. she will discover new interests and roles. she loves life! my pride for her is immense.
during the eight months of retirement, i have found a satisfying pace with plenty of alone time. solitude has become a friend, a teacher, and a comfort. and at 5:30 each day, i looking forward to donna walking in the door having finished yet another day of work. four o'clock finds me watching the clock in anticipation of her arrival and of an evening spent together.
this transitions comes with challenges for her and me. since both of us are retired, we will spend much more time together. as much as i am looking forward to that, i understand that it will be a time of adjustment for both of us. and i am sure we will have to change, compromise, and at times compete for 'space'. we will learn how to live with each other in a whole new way.
the biggest challenge for me is facing the unknown. i have so many questions about our 'duel retirement' status. the unknown brings with it both anticipation and anxiety. how will our new life together take shape? that will only be answered after 16 working days from now.
the most valuable assets we have are our love, commitment, and strong communication skills. already having many conversations about her retirement, we have built an important context for sharing our thoughts and feelings about this transition. expressing our dreams, hopes, and fears have provided a way to move into this 'new life' together.
finally, i have confidence that we will not only work out the kinks, but will find a contented, satisfying lifestyle together. strong evidence from the last 26 years together proves to me that we will be not just ok, but that we will be wildly successful at this next phase of our lives.
welcome home donna. ivry, ruthie and i await you with open arms!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
99 bottles of .....
well, not exactly 99. but nine is more like it.
earlier this week, i received a call at 10am from the office of my new pulmonologist in cincinnati. there was a 4pm opening. i had a july appointment, but apparently i was on a waiting list. donna got off work and we made the hour trip... MUCH better than the 4 hour trip to cleveland.
when he came into the consultation room, he introduced himself and sat down (pretty kewl for a doc!). he said he had read my medical records and had seen my labs. but he wanted to 'hear my story' before going any further. WOWOWOWOW! a doctor asking to hear a patient's story? i hit the high/low points, and he listened... really listened. he had me at 'story'!
the consultation lasted 45 minutes, after which he ordered a ct scan of my lungs and some blood tests.
here is where the 'nine' comes in. this morning, i had my blood drawn. and the vampire appeared!!!!! he had 9 vials to fill... with my blood. my first question was, 'will i faint?'.
the morning was long. i ate a quick breakfast before another fast. i couldn't eat or drink for four hours before the ct scan at noon. it was a challenge, and i did it.
when i left the building, i suddenly turned into a vampire. i wanted protein.... red meat.... quarter pounder... with cheese... i was feeling a bit woozy, and my my body craved... well, you get the picture.
btw, nine vials of blood in one day is a record for me. i hope that record won't be broken!
earlier this week, i received a call at 10am from the office of my new pulmonologist in cincinnati. there was a 4pm opening. i had a july appointment, but apparently i was on a waiting list. donna got off work and we made the hour trip... MUCH better than the 4 hour trip to cleveland.
when he came into the consultation room, he introduced himself and sat down (pretty kewl for a doc!). he said he had read my medical records and had seen my labs. but he wanted to 'hear my story' before going any further. WOWOWOWOW! a doctor asking to hear a patient's story? i hit the high/low points, and he listened... really listened. he had me at 'story'!
the consultation lasted 45 minutes, after which he ordered a ct scan of my lungs and some blood tests.
here is where the 'nine' comes in. this morning, i had my blood drawn. and the vampire appeared!!!!! he had 9 vials to fill... with my blood. my first question was, 'will i faint?'.
the morning was long. i ate a quick breakfast before another fast. i couldn't eat or drink for four hours before the ct scan at noon. it was a challenge, and i did it.
when i left the building, i suddenly turned into a vampire. i wanted protein.... red meat.... quarter pounder... with cheese... i was feeling a bit woozy, and my my body craved... well, you get the picture.
btw, nine vials of blood in one day is a record for me. i hope that record won't be broken!
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