Retirement

Today was Jeff's mother's last day of work; ever. Her last day of work before retirement. Think about when you were a kid and having that thrill as you run out of school on the last day before summer. Imagine that, times a million!

It is so hard for me to comprehend retirement. Not just because I have an extremely long time before I am at that point in my life, but because when I envision retirees I see old, white haired, crotchety, hunched over people. My mother-in-law is nothing like that. Not in the least. She's baby-faced, energetic, and has not shrunk a bit since I have met her!

Jeff, being the sweet, loving, and caring son that he is, was on top of this whole retirement thing. He was sure to have a special gift sent to her for this life-altering occasion. Who wouldn't love a tray of gourmet chocolate covered brownies?

You thought I was being sarcastic when I said he sent her a lovely gift, didn't you? Well I wasn't! I really think he did a great job sending a thoughtful gift. If I have learned one thing over the years, it is not to underestimate Jeff's gift giving abilities. He is good! Creative and thoughtful.

It is the card writing he struggles with. Most of the time, he excludes a card completely. When he actually includes them, he has difficulty coming up with what to say. How can he express his deepest thoughts in writing? Being as he is in Cleveland and wasn't there to deliver these delicious brownies, he sent along a card. He tried his best to get his message across, as the card read,

"Congratulations on being old. Now, move somewhere far away."

And, he no doubtedly signed that card from Jeff and Alicia. Thanks, I am so glad to be included in that!