IT”S TIME!

People always told me that when it’s time to retire, you will know it. Now I can attest to that as the truth.

I sent an email to my principal, “Could you meet with me after school today?” She said that would be fine; so, I went into her office with my happy face on.

“I have exciting news!”

“Really? What is it?”

“Well, my husband Peter has been accepted into a year-long Masters program in Food Culture and Communication at the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences.”

“Oh, my goodness! That IS exciting news! I’m sure he is so pleased! When does he start?”

“March 21!”

“And it’s for a year? Where is the University?”

“Ahhhhh, Pollenzo, Italy. Sort of Northeast of Genoa in Piemonte.”

“ITALY? Oh, my goodness! He’ll be gone for a whole year? You’ll really miss him, won’t you?”

With my head cocked to the side, “Hmmm, well, no, I really won’t.” And I handed her an envelope.

Looking suspicious, my principal took the envelope, “What IS this?” She caught her breath, “You’re retiring, aren’t you?” and she read the letter, “WHAT! YOU’RE GOING WITH PETER, AND YOU’RE RETIRING ON DECEMBER 1^ST...in just 2 months!?” She looked up at me, smiling. “This is a FANTASTIC opportunity! I am sooooo jealous and happy for both of you, but are you sure....never mind...that would have been a really stupid question.”

From there, she came around her desk to give me a hug and tell me how excited she was for Peter and me. She understood that by retiring on December 1^st, I would be able to spend some time with the new grandchild and our 1 ½ year old grandchild before leaving for the year. She just wanted to be me at that moment and take off to spend lots of time with grandchildren and then jet off to Italy for an extended stay.

I didn’t blame her. Peter and I are both pinching ourselves about our upcoming adventure. It’s time for retirement! Oh, yes! IT’S TIME!

Ciao,

Dr. Morich