Retirement

The big day finally arrived.  Henry retired March 31st and the happiness has not left his heart. How long did he talk about retiring?  At least 40 years.  He had a wonderful retirement party/send off organized by several of his friends at work.   It was delightful to have all the people he has worked with come say goodbye.  It was fun for me to put faces to names and see all the great people he has worked with and talked about these past years. There were many thoughtful expressions of good luck and best wishes expressed through a book for all to sign, balloons with messages and remembrances from his coworkers, a video showing the power company and Henry through the 40 years, a shadow box with memorabilia pertaining to his career, and a cooler full of goodies for us to take on our drive to Florida. :) The food was delicious and beautifully prepared and arranged.  It is hard to find the words to express how wonderful you have all been as Henry retires.  Being associated with you all has made the 40 years pass like a dream.
In true Henry fashion, he worked a full day his last day and has not stopped since being home.  The garage was calling his name and he has completely rearranged the whole thing.  The golf course has been quite a draw also.  He and his fellow retiree have been hitting the links every week.  He took a breather long enough to help me in the yard trimming the hedge and moving strawberries. 

Henry with his retired face.

Along with retiring from PacifiCorp, he was released as the seminary principal, a calling he served in for 11 years.  It is a new rested Henry who does not have to get up at 0:dark 30 every morning.  Could that be the cause of the smile? 
Whatever it is we are enjoying having him home.