Yesterday, I celebrated with the last of my friends and colleagues with a lovely curry at a local Indian restaurant. There was lots of laughter and banter during the evening, photos taken and memories shared. I felt really special that 20 people turned up to wish me well. They really are a great bunch.
As yesterday – Friday – was my usual RDO (Rostered Day Off) I decided that the first day of my retirement was today. Spent the day pottering around and noting all the things I need to do around home. Started tidying my study as I will be in it more now and also have to fit in things I brought back from work. While noting all the things that need to be done, I realised they don’t have to be done in a rush, I am retired and can take my time and do them any time I wish.
I was gifted some lovely things from my Ward team and my Social Work team. I felt very loved and appreciated and I am so glad that I agreed to having a sendoff. Actually had four – greedy I know – two morning teas and two evening gatherings. From the Ward I was given a gardening voucher and with it I bought this lovely statue. I have called her Delilah. To me she is the epitome of relaxation in retirement. What could be better than lying in the sunshine reading a good book. I would be inclined to have clothes on. Don’t want to frighten the wildlife!
I also picked up my new bowls yesterday. They are a gorgeous purple with a Viking ship on the sides. A nod to my Danish heritage. I plan on getting on the green as soon as I can. My thinking is that if I can get to grips with my new bowls now while my symptoms are mild, then if/when there is progression, I should be able to play for a while if I build on some core skills and modify my style if needed to suit my condition down the track. Here are the gorgeous bowls I can’t wait to try!
I have had 20 years in my profession, 11 of them working as a Social Worker in hospital. I have had some good memories and some not good memories. I have had some successes and some not so much! Now is the time to look after me and socialise and have some fun. I start volunteering at a local Op Shop on Friday, so things are starting to fall into place.
With volunteering, playing bowls, gardening and crocheting my knee rugs, I should be kept busy enough, but not too busy that I exhaust myself. This new phase is something I look forward to so much. It will be a learning curve of our relationship where we will be home together more than we ever have been. However, I think we know each other well enough to give each other the space we need and also to be honest with each other about what that looks like.
Retired life looks like it could be good for me.
My journey with Parkinsons 