Sixty-five always seemed old.  For reasons that I don’t completely understand our culture selected this year as a major mile stone.  Since I just turned 65 I’ve been asked — “How does it feel?”  “Do you think you’ll be able to blow out all those candles?”  And, the best one, “What are you going to do now?”  I know 65 strongly implies “retirement” in our culture.  I certainly don’t feel the need to “retire.”  Perhaps for me it would be more appropriate to say, “move on.”  Recently my grandson, Ryan, (5-1/2 years old) just after he chased me and wrestled me to the ground said, “I hope you never die.”  I asked him, “Why?”  “Because you can run with me,” was his answer.  I don’t know how much longer I will be able to run with him, but I do feel good.  Most mornings when I wake up and my feet hit the floor, I don’t feel any aches or pains (unless I’ve been doing heavy gardening the day before).  I always have things to do and places to go.

I started to seriously look at my “second half journey” when I was about 52 years old, strongly encouraged by Bonnie.  She had walked up to me, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Don’t you think it’s time you found another life?”  Up until that point I was 100% committed and dedicated to Machinery Systems and everything involved with our customers, suppliers and employees.  Bonnie really sobered me with that question.  As I looked at my life, I had no hobbies or interests other than “business.”  Almost everything else was a distraction.  That question gave me a lost, empty feeling.  I knew my working career would come to an end someday and I had no vision of what that would mean. At that point, I began to try a number of things.  Gardening was one of the first, at Bonnie’s urging and tutelage.  We tried baking pies together. Travel seemed like something we would enjoy.  I also uncovered a new interest in reading for pleasure.  In fact, I liked reading so much I focused hard on increasing my reading speed with various programs and exercises.

Gardening certainly took hold, and today I would consider myself an enthusiastic garden hobbyist — at home, church and in our childrens’ gardens.  Then about 7-8 years ago, our pastor sent me a letter and asked if I would be involved in the formation of our parish council.  That started me on my spiritual journey.  And finally, the greatest blessing and interest of all began with the arrival of our grandchildren.  These little guys have been an unexpected and extraordinary joy for both Bonnie and me.

Bonnie asked me a question the other day, “Why does it always seem that there’s a project going on around here?”  I think that moves back to her original question when she suggested I get another life.  I do like to be always working on projects.  That is probably some baggage I’ve brought along from my business life. Maybe Bonnie’s question is now her worst nightmare.  We seem to always be competing for “project space” in our life together.  A great example is our garden, which now encompasses almost our entire property.  We often find ourselves negotiating with each other for garden space.  I like to plant trees and shrubs and Bonnie likes to plant flowers.

Another final thing, this “moving on” process is encouraged by our government.  When you turn 65, the government expects you to sign up for Medicare, so I arranged for a visit to our local Social Security office to do just that (it took me almost two months to get through on the phone to set up this appointment).  By the way, did you know all that money you have been paying for Medicare is just for hospital care coverage?  This is covered under Section A of the Medicare program. There is Section B for medical coverage and Section D for prescription drugs.  Section B and D have costs associated with them.  Section A doesn’t.  I just signed up for Section A because I’m still working and it doesn’t cost me anything.  Also, did you know that it’s impossible to retire at 65 with full Social Security benefits unless you’re disabled.  I was born in 1942, which means I can’t collect full Social Security benefits until I’m 65 years and 10 months old.  If you’re younger than me, you’re probably going to wait longer.  I understand that I’m ahead of the baby boom curve (anyone born after 1945).  So, for everyone that is behind me I would urge you to start thinking about your next life and start considering your “moving on” strategy.  I think early to mid 50s is a good time to start that process.

I would be happy to discuss with you any thoughts or concerns you may have about your personal “moving on” strategy.  You can call me, send an e-mail or just stop by for a visit.

Sincerely,