I did not expect to be retired from my primary profession at this point in my life. Yet another reminder to expect that life will surprise us. No matter what kind of planning we do. And to be prepared to roll in new or different directions. It’s been just over a year since I officially let it be known. Yes, happy to mentor, volunteer back to this amazing profession I’ve had. But, I’m no longer interested in paid work. And, I couldn’t be happier about it all.

Too, while grateful, I also sometimes feel guilty for not needing to seek out paid work when so many my age must. Not that I didn’t work hard in traditional work, live a fairly frugal life, save as I was told we should, and all that. But too, Russ and I had a lot of good fortune. No, we did not get significant inheritances when our parents died, nor did we expect them. But many times in our careers we did get some type of leg up, even though it may not always have felt that way. Neither of us had huge salaries, but we got those things from traditional employment that – so far- our generation expected; health insurance, paid vacations, once in awhile matching retirement programs even if neither of us received traditional pensions like some in our parents’ generation. And, we benefited from being able to afford buying a house early in our careers. I try to give back and too, I mourn for those struggling in these tough times.

It took me some time to work through the nearly hidden grief I felt at the end of my working career. I uncovered what it was: because I left a job voluntarily before retirement, I had to capture and remember the incredibly good years I had before it fell away. As others know, changes in management can significantly alter how we feel about our jobs. My professional friends in workplace wellbeing know this all too well both through their academic research, studies and simply, common sense. And, I too learned in my case, the grass was not greener to where I (impulsively) landed next.

Paying it back at the Fall 2025 Pacific Northwest Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Conference in Bremerton, WA.

Fast forward to now. Some of the best advice I received was to not jump into new volunteer opportunities immediately, as a way to fill time. I was different than some in having already discovered my love of writing and authoring books before retirement. Yes, I published my first five books (four with Bedazzled Ink) while working full-time. That statement in itself spins into my workplace wellbeing mantra: we must have bandwidth when we complete our daily jobs to pursue other important creative and social passions. Yes, you’ve heard me say this before, and I too will repeat it many times. It saddens me today with so many in our workforce working long, arduous hours, low pay, low support. So after officially retiring, while I continued some of my volunteer obligations, like O[yes], occasionally guest speaking for a class or event, and gleefully take care of my grandson so his parents can more easily work (without wondering how I will squeeze it into a work week), I delayed adding anything new to the plate. Then.

But now, one year later, I am thrilled to have completed training and all the various checks to be a hospice volunteer with Housecall Providers. I first learned of HCP after my mom had moved from assisted living to an adult care home. A good friend of ours worked at the time as a HCP nurse practitioner and was even assigned Patty as a patient. Mom was physically healthy, surprising many by bouncing back after her earlier lupus diagnosis. Yet, I knew it was getting increasingly difficult to get her to her doctor even for infrequent visits. A year later and several months after Mom moved in with Russ and I, it was time to move Mom into the hospice side of HCP. It was seamless. Difficult, perhaps. But seamless.

I was grateful to write HCP a testimonial after Mom’s death, and look forward to what may be ahead of me in the months to come.

My recent choice of books provides fertile thoughts on life, retirement, and even our final years. I didn’t go seeking books to address this, but as life has taught me, things come our way at the right time.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Yes, I did finish this book (and also quickly looked to the movie trailer to try to see what the producer envisioned for the extraterrestrial. And yes, I’ll likely see the movie. Ryan Gosling, after all.) It won’t be one of my most favorite reads, but I do think the protagonist’s ultimate commitment to what was most important to him at the end of life’s journey to be powerful.

Making the Best of What’s Left by Judith Viorst
I’m three decades younger than the author of this book, and while the book is perhaps ultimately intended for those a bit older, it spoke to me. I didn’t realize until after beginning the book that Viorst is the author of many books, including the wonderful Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I listened to this as an audiobook and must say, I found the narration by the 94 year old author compelling, and appreciate the honesty woven between its pages.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This is a book I had to remind myself to take slower. When I finish books like this – I have a profound wish to meet the author. And after turning its final page? The deep desire and promise to be better. Not better at something like a job or a writer or a bookseller. To be kinder, compassionate and interested in each person I’m fortunate enough to meet or know. And while some may be turned off by the protagonist’s Christian beliefs, it struck me instead as a profound reminder to everyone – regardless of beliefs – as to what makes an extraordinary human.

I remember occasionally teasing my retired Mom decades ago during morning phone calls I snuck in between work and family responsibilities. She’d say she was enjoying doing the crossword but she really did have to get going to get to X plus Y plus Z. Yes, perhaps our human souls need to feel a sense of satisfaction in some type of accomplishment. But I seem to be much better than Mom in letting that “accomplishment” mean sitting to get to the end of a good book. Or a good puzzle.

In case you missed this on social media or earlier blogs, learn more about how my profession as a safety and health professional informed my writing.

Learn more about A Map of Her Own.