A Retirement Dream Becomes a Resolution

It’s New Years eve and my patrol rounds are complete.  The buildings are secure.  The streets and neighborhoods are busy as people celebrate the coming of year 2011.  At midnight I park the vehicle and listen to fireworks go off all around the area.  The night sky lights up with beauty as the New Year is now here.  At 2.p.m. all is quiet. It’s time for a break.  The winter air is cold.  The warm heat in the vehicle feels good.  I stare at the silent building.

Dave Ramsey is talking about financial peace on the radio station.  It makes sense.  I am now 62 years of age.  I wish I had learned his steps sooner.  My debts will be paid off in March of this year.  I have been trying to work his program this passed year to become debt free.  My 2010 goal is almost complete. I switch the radio station to oldies.  In the Still Of the Night is playing.  My eyes are heavy.  Now the 1973 single hit by Gladys Knight, Midnight Train to Georgia is on the air..  I think of Maya Angelo and her struggles as she persevered to gain success and her quote, “Nothing will work unless you do it” comes to my mind.  My mind wanders off to the 55 community guide that I have visited often dreaming of a retirement place.

It is a gorgeous warm sun shiny morning as I look out my apartment window.  The birds are singing a happy tune as I watch my new neighbor next door work in his flower garden.  The pool looks inviting.  My friend John looks so relaxed reading the newspaper as he soaks up the healthy sunshine in his lounge chair by the pool.  Ms. Epstein is getting into her car to go the Monday class she is taking to learn about computers.  At 1p.m. I will get dressed to go  to the nursing facility where I have a part time job.  I hope Jim does better today as I encourage him to walk and smile.  He is such a delightful patient.  I think I will lay by the pool awhile before work and allow the warm soothing heat from the sun to relax my body and feel the arthritis pain disappear.

I say hello to my new friend George as I lay my towel across the lounge chair.  I ask him if we are still on for the date we made for Friday night to attend the outdoor theater near by.  I smile.  He touched my hand and replied, “Yes, of course.  I have been looking forward to that all week.  We will have fun.”  My heart skips a little beat.  A warm fuzzy runs through my stomach.  Could that be butterflies at my age  64?  I tell myself, “Don’t worry about it just enjoy the moment.”  Life is good!  I am happy that I found this retirement community when I did living up north in the big city.  It was a good choice to  move to this warm southern community with a small town charm.

Ten minutes have passed.  Break time is over.  I now have not only a dream but a New Years resolution.  I will be the best person that I can be, live in the moment, laugh at my mistakes, love what is, and continue working on my goals set in front of me.  I will make it to that southern town.  I will enjoy my new friends and my new part time job helping others to push forward.  I will not give up.  I will take the steps necessary to make my  dream a reality for my boomer retirement years. I am grateful for a positive attitude.

It is 6:30 p.m. and I get in my car to drive home.  I am eager to get to my computer to do some more research, write down my goals for the new year and write my story.  Life is what one makes it!  Set goals, strive toward success, don’t give up and enjoy the journey.  Make your retirement dream come true.

Originally posted 2011-01-01 19:33:29.