Clayton, NC
It’s getting really close now. It really hit me about a week or so ago. I only have a couple more days in uniform so I’m savoring it. I can already tell that when I get ready to put it on again Thursday morning for the last time, I will have mixed emotions. When I take it off that evening, I won’t. I’ll only be relieved. It has been interesting to know that this will be my last Sunday of work. I’m just not good enough with words to describe how I feel. I will miss a lot of aspects of the job certainly, but I can hardly wait to shed many other aspects. The people I work with are fantastic. I know that I will probably never see many of them again and that’s sad.
I’ve been assigned to the Front Desk of the Downtown District for the past year and a half. I’ve spent most of my career working in the office instead of on patrol. No it’s not as glamorous as the real cops and robbers game out there, but it’s a job that not everyone can do. Here’s a shot of the desk and several cars lined up for a biannual inspection.
Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks sort of like New York City is the Big Apple. On New Years Eve, the count down drops a big Acorn. This is the view from the front door of the station. There is the new Downtown Arena and the Civic Center with a shimmer wall depicting an oak tree. They have a few concerts there during the summer.
It’s really pretty at night when they have different color lights reflecting on it. Often times, people will just pull their car over and take pictures of it. Raleigh really is a nice city to live if you like an urban environment.
But I’m ready to move on to the next stage of life. I’ve come to realize that you spend the first 20 years or so learning about living, your next 30 years or so earning a living, and the rest of your life living with gusto. Now it’s gusto time!
Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.
15 comments:
Ending one stage and moving on to the next is always tough, no matter how happy and excited you are for the next stage. Saying goodbye to your co-workers is the hardest part (I was a blubbering idiot on my last day of work!), but you'll get through it.
Cheers to you and the awesome adventures that await you!
We'll sure be thinking about you this week as you finish up your career. We only lived a few miles away from you in our prior lives and we would like to thank you for your service to the community. It's a thankless job and one that takes a very special person. Thank you...and see you down the road SOON!
I love your saying about the stages of life - so true!! :)
Great description about living life... We are ready for the GUSTO also and can't wait to see what the two of you get into;o))
Change, even good change, is difficult. So give yourself the time to make that change. Then get on with the GUSTO!!!
Raleigh is a beautiful city and they will be losing one of their great employees when you retire!!
However, those of us who have gotten to know you in the "Gusto" phase of life, just can't wait to go on adventures with the two of you:o))))))
See you in September!!!!!
then gusto it should be... we will be in the Raleigh area once again in the next week or so, planning to spend a week with the daughter who lives just south or there
Mixed emotions indeed! Good luck with this next stage ;-)
I know what you mean about mixed emotions. I think it is great to leave when you still have them. That way, you can look back on work and feel good about what you accomplished and the people. If you stay too long, the parts you don't like start to dominate your feelings. We will be thinking about you this week.
You are so right about the stage of life...learning to live, earning a living and finally the pay off.
I'm counting it down with you. You guys are gonna have such a GREAT time!!
Having lived in Raleigh since 73, I've seen quite a few changes in the city! Thanks for your service and can't wait to see you both in September. Cheraw will be our first official trip on our full-time adventure!! Dan and Tricia (don't know why we can't log in as ourselves and have to do it anonymously!!)
Just seeing all the dents in that front desk shows that wasn't an easy job. I know from my field work the support I got from the office that helped me excel in my investigative work. I know you provided the "backup" for your brothers and sisters on the beat that kept them and your city safe.
Police work is mostly a thankless job, but let me thank you for a job (and a career) well done. You are a special person that gave great service to your fellow citizens, so enjoy your upcoming life. You've earned it!
After retirement, you'll be so busy you'll wonder how you ever accomplished anything when you were still working. LOL!
Big changes are always tough and I've no doubt you'll go through some soul-searching. BUT/ this next stage of life is gonna be great (I just know it), so can't wait to see you get started
Nina
On my first visit to your blog when I saw your count down clock I thought your retirement was a loooong way away. Now it seems like it has been no time at all.
I'm happy and excited for you! Have fun for me too.
We are so excited to you. Your life analogy is so true. Liveing the Gusto is the place to be. You two have earned it. Hanging up that uniform for the last time will feel strange. Living the next few months will be different but fulfilling your dreams will be the thrill of you lifetime. We will be thinking of you Thursday.
Denny and Char
When Phil gave his notice and was awaiting retirement, he said it was worse than waiting for Christmas as a kid - hence, slow as Christmas! You will love, love, love retirement! We are happy for you!!!!
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