ABSTRACT
I am one lucky gal! I have had a full life, successful career, and loving family. I almost feel guilty thinking about what will come next as my husband and I begin to plan for our lives after retirement. I’m scheduled to leave my congregation, where I have served for almost 15 years, just a year ahead of when he’ll be retiring from the university. We are blessed with good health, given our ages and somewhat sedentary lifestyle, we have saved carefully throughout our working years, and our children are well established on their own. Now we get to engineer the next stage of our lives. For me, I am looking forward to having more control over my schedule and time to devote to my grandchildren, gardening, and reading just for pleasure. Sure, I may eventually look for some volunteer opportunities in our community, but not just yet. I must admit to feeling a bit self-indulgent when I view this coming year as all about me. But I deserve it and am not ashamed to say so!
