Are you wondering who retired?
Not Ron who is a young upstart at the age of sixty-one!
And not I (although I will "retire" from home schooling at the end of next school year).
No, it is this amazing man,
my father,
who retired in January at the age of
80 years, 3 months!
Daddy started working at age 17, the day after he graduated from high school,
making a total of 63.5 years on the job!
His first job was in manufacturing.
Then he took a seasonal job at Christmastime working at a grocery store and he found his calling!
He began as a clerk, then quickly advanced to produce manager, then assistant manager, and then manager, a position he held for many years.
Daddy's last job was also in retail, a home improvement chain where he held several positions.
Daddy would still be working if it were not for arthritis/disc degeneration in his neck, a condition which was slowing him down. His employer was disappointed to lose him, as he was a valuable employee!
On Sunday, we gathered for a family-style celebration of this milestone in Daddy's life.
We shared a meal (pasta bar, homemade bread, salads . . . yum!)
In which Kati photobombs the girls in denim jackets . . .
There was entertainment!
(Daddy and Mom both love music, especially when it's sung/played by their "babies"!)
Along with the musical entertainment,
we were also treated to an original video created by Eve, Nora, and Peter.
So funny! Look out, YouTube!
There was plenty of entertainment just watching these little ones eat cake!
It was such a small way to honor my dad for a lifetime of achievement:
being a faithful provider and an honorable and valued employee.
We pray that this next stage of life brings him many joys!
I know it was hard for your dad to stop working, but I’m glad he’s healthy and able to enjoy all those grands and great grands!
ReplyDeleteYes, Daddy has always enjoyed working, so it was with reluctance that he let it go. It is certainly a blessing to have family nearby! Young people have such life and energy!
DeleteWhat a wonderful celebration! Loved all the photos of your beautiful family! Looks like everyone came and I bet just having so much family gather around him was the best part. I love how your family come together for these special moments in life!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! Indeed, what better way to celebrate a milestone than with the ones who love you most?!
DeleteOh what an amazing man - congratulations on his retirement. May he enjoy some leisure time with his family. Thanks for sharing this wonderful celebration. Checked out your previous posts - your kitchen looks beautiful - I loved how you decorated the shelf. Have a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie! Yes, we hope that the Lord gives him many joys in the years to come!
DeleteAmen! What a testimony to grit and determination. Looks as if he enjoyed the festivities!
ReplyDeleteI think he had a good time! I forgot to mention this in the post, but he thought that he was just coming to a family dinner. He didn't know it was going to be all about him! :)
DeleteYour dad is so amazing to work til he was 80, and the party looks like a perfect way to celebrate. How nice you have a big family nearby.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty amazing to work until age 80! We are very blessed to have all of our family nearby. It wasn't always that way, so we really appreciate it now!
DeleteI think it's wonderful that your daddy worked for so long, Cheryl. I love how you take care to note all the milestones in your family. There is not much more in life more important than our family. Your grands are such darling children that are really growing up in each photo you post. I hope your daddy enjoys a more leisurely pace, as I'd say he deserves it! ♥
ReplyDeleteCertainly, a loving family is one of God's greatest gifts! We are so blessed to have each one nearby. Oh my goodness. Yes, the children seem to grow by the day. It makes me want to slow the clock, but that is not to be. We need to take advantage of the time that we have . . . investing in their lives, making memories.
DeleteDaddy likes to be busy! He'll be glad when the weather allows him to get out and work in the yard!
Such a sweet, honoring post! Your dad is blessed in many ways. Enjoy your family sharing music with him, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, GrammaGrits! You always leave such encouraging words here!
DeleteWow, that's amazing! How great that he could work for so long. My personal opinion is that man is happiest when he can work. Looks like you had the perfect celebration honoring all his years of hard work. Love all the photos you shared!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen! I agree that he is pretty amazing! And I think he would agree with your opinion about a man working! :)
DeleteHow wonderful that he continued to think/know/wish that he was important enough to keep working.
ReplyDeleteHe has a sharp mind and knew every tool in the place, not just in his own department. Folks would come looking for him to wait on them. He is missed!
DeleteCheryl, that is so wonderful. And what a lovely party you gave for your dear daddy. We have lots of chores around here that would help him fill in his time! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean!
DeleteThose lists never quit, do they? :)
That's what I call a hard workin' man! That is also pretty amazing stuff...CONGRATULATIONS to your dad as he retires! God is GOOD!
ReplyDeleteYou're right! A hard workin' man he is! :)
DeleteQuite a celebration! Love how the little ones are involved in bringing joy to the festivities! Congratulations to your dad.
ReplyDeleteThe young bring fresh life to the old!
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