Dad deserves a post all of his own today. Today, he OFFICIALLY retired. Yes, he mini officially retired back in the fall from his 30 some odd (35???) years of shaping the young poli sci minds at Oklahoma State University. Yes, he hasn't taught a course since then. But today, the department celebrated his service with a bon voyage (albeit double billed) retirement party. We had all hoped to be there for his big celebration. I know I earmarked the day in my outlook calendar. As of last week, Craig and Jill were verifying Craig's "travelability" as if doing a paruchute check before jumping. Even today, mom was hell bent on busting out of the hospital, running home to freshen up, and then joining her husband for the day he's discussed for the last 5 years (at least!!!).
As he says "...the best laid plans...". I doubt he expected any one of us to attend. It's just that 5 years ago (at least), when the thought of retiring became more a reality, I'm sure we imagined a different setting under different circumstances. Whatever the circumstances, his friends and colleagues were there in support...his family was there in spirit and heart.
Way to go dad!
I think it went the way it was supposed to go. He was proud and smug as a peacock when he got home and was able to relay the events. The party was about him and his professional life. In my mind, wheeling mom in fresh out of the hospital with no shower, and me in Craig's cock-fighting shirt with day old massage oil in my hair would have been a distraction from that. Some of his friends came and that made him happy.
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