CELEBRATION!

When I was back east for the graduation, a friend who retired from education a year ago asked about the celebrations being held for the retirees and was shocked when I admitted there were … none.

Today, there was a breakfast to honor the 3 retirees at my site, or at least that was the reason given to the staff for, once again, serving Mexican breakfast burritos, made with beef, egg, beans and rice—which I cannot stomach! The smell of the spicy hot salsa at 7:45 am turned my stomach, but I did manage to have a cup of coffee.

While the food line snaked around the walls of the meeting room, it became evident that those who were first in line were finished eating and picking up their bulletins and other paraphernalia for the hike back to the classrooms; after all, it is the last week of school and there is work to be finished before checking out for the summer.

“Hey, folks, don’t leave yet. We want to mention some special teachers today. It’ll only take a minute.”

I was briefly announced, handed a bouquet of flowers arranged by the ROP Floral Design class; the next retiree was more broadly announced—and given a life-time pass to all athletic events; and the third retiree was endlessly thanked for his numerous contributions to the school and community, his wife’s current employment with the district, her possible retirement next year, the retirement home he’s building, his son's business and his daughter's home, yada yada yada.

I had already returned to my seat. One of my colleagues leaned toward me and said, “Don’t you feel special? It’s obvious you are NOTHING based on the length of the other introductions.”

Yeah, it did feel that way, and thanks for confirming it for me.

As I said during the trip back east, nah, they haven’t done anything to celebrate my retirement.

Maybe once I exit the building the cheers will be heard.