about the shoes

Only another blogger can truly understand the community and friendships that form through blogging. It's like living on the same street with other persons who come out of their houses and chat over the fences on a regular basis. They share stories, ideas, crafts, thoughts and so on. The one thing about blogging, though, is that you can pick and choose what you talk about. That might not be so easy in a real life neighborhood.

So it warmed my heart when a bloggie friend emailed me during the day I retired from my nursing job. She was thinking about me for she also had retired from nursing and "got" what I was going through. It meant so much. Thank you T.

Then last week I received a card (see photo) in the mail with a familiar sweeping penmanship --- for I had heard from this friend before. In fact, she helped me figure out what to do about my mantle-less fireplace. She also was remembering my retirement and wrote me a whole lovely note about shoes--the ones I would put away and the new ones I would put on. What sweet thoughts she cheered me with as I ponder this new life and adjust to the changes and the "hole" I feel in my life right now. And as I figure out the new shoes to wear. Thank you H!

It's not that I haven't been busy --- way too busy in fact. So I haven't had time to fully take in what I have done. I've purposely not jumped into a lot of things. I want to take my time and just see how life plays out for now. The feeling that something is missing may continue for awhile, but I will add that there is great pleasure in not having to work weekends!

Just a few minutes after the Gardener and I sat on our bed with my laptop--a few months ago, made our final decision about my retirement and pressed the "yes" box to SS,  I happened to read a blog post of another bloggie friend who that very week had retired from her job. She shared a poem that has come to mean so much to me in this new adventure. It was like the hand of God tapping my shoulder in approval. Thank you P.

The Dawn of Something New

The morning sun warms my face, while the daily grass washes my feet. 

I am renewed, and for the first time in a long time, I breathe fresh air deep 
into my body and my noisy being quiets. 
Suddenly, my ears awaken and I hear your clear voice. Love overwhelms me and 
the trees and rocks and mountains celebrate. 
Touch me dear Lord, give me peace beyond understanding, joy unspeakable and 
unwavering faith for the journey.

Author Unknown