On "Retirement" Wendy Wong

If you swallow it well, it tastes good.....

"With a little planning and discipline, retirement is really not bad after all." Many thanks to Sai Hon for sharing with us his thoughts on retirement. Now that he's "retired from work but not from play" may I wish that everyday of this well deserved and hard earned retirement be filled with fun and joy. Life sometimes has an interesting way to say "hello" and things may not work out as planned......

I am a person of many hobbies. I love doing crafts, I love to read, I love music, going to concerts etc. Years ago, when my handbag was stuffed with candy wrappings and breadcrumbs, as well as work organizers, name cards, etc. I looooooonged for retirement. When I tried to put the colicky baby to sleep and worried about having the stamina for work the next day; when I was between diaper change and company policy change, I yearned for the day when I can do nothing but read, and do crafts all day long.

Looking after grandchildren were never in my agenda. I just figured things will happen in a certain logical sequence and eventually, I will get to my own time, to the point of spending my days the way I want, doing crafts and read....but lo and behold, life is full of surprises! Age 40+ came along, when I was not quite done with my "prolonged post-natal depression" from the two kids, now budding young persons, the "p" word (presbyopia) stroke. My doctor told me to take it gracefully and so I accepted the bunch of "flowers" that every person after age 40+ is eligible to receive - a bunch of "lo far" (老花). As my vision deteriorated, I realized that doing fine crafts and reading was no longer an enjoyable option....Squinting my eyes and wishing my arms were longer had taken the fun out of my favorite hobbies.

Lowering my neck to concentrate on the intricate embroidery or beading did not bring about the satisfaction and accomplishment but rather, "pain in the neck." All of a sudden, I realized that even way before my due "retirement" schedule, what I had wanted for retirement was now a much differed priority.

Anyway, life had to go on, and so I continued to do my best until the "R" day arrives and steadfastly headed for the big "6." 50+ came along and by this time, my children are grown up. I have found a most meaningful job that I enjoyed going into every morning -- yes, even Monday mornings, and I said to myself, maybe I should never retire. I should just focus on doing this job well.  Well, you wish,---- an illness came by and I was ordered by the doctor to take indefinite sick leave. Today, after a few years of trying on different treatments as well as a rather intensive exercise program, my health have generally improved and I am now able to do a bit more than what I could a few years back. Being certified as "disabled" at home, I no longer have to commit to going into work everyday.

I am free to spend everyday the way I want to spend, some crafts, some readings, some writing etc. I no longer need to wait until the weekend to meet with my friends, do the shopping I need to do and I can spend as much time as I want in the kitchen cooking up for my family. I am even able to do some volunteering and advisory work in the community......wait a minute, is this not "retirement"?

Life does have a funny way to say "hello." You can certainly make plans, but just like presbyopia, gracefully accept whatever comes along. Everything happens for a reason and if you swallow it well, it tastes good.

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