Since the dawn of time people have gathered for births, weddings, coming of age ceremonies, and deaths – to eat, drink, dance, mourn and celebrate. In our culture, retirement from a 9 to 5 job is a milestone that is both a major goodbye and a new beginning.
I retired from my job as an editor at Kaiser Permanente early in August. It was the end of more than 30 years of work in corporate communications, so celebrate we did!
I held my job in Regional Health Education exactly as long as it took the New Horizons spacecraft to reach Pluto – 9 years and 6 months. As the end of my corporate career approached, I really felt I had been on a journey to the outer reaches of the galaxy.
Working at 1950 Franklin Street, a gray concrete megalith of a building in downtown Oakland, had its perks. One of them ended up being an awesome conference room which my colleagues completely transformed. 
Friends and family gathered to mark my transition from corporate editor to full-time writer and all around bon vivant. We had a slide show and trivia quiz, lots of yummy food, speeches, and in honor of my love of Zydeco dancing, a dance with my awesome partner, Mohammed Ghaleb.
Retirement is both a leave-taking and a life reset. I wore a little black dress to honor the mourning, and a lot of turquoise to underline the celebration of new beginnings. And I felt both a touch of sadness and tremendous joy and fulfillment.
As my beloved Maya would have said, “That’s the way life lives, Mom.”
Lucia and Francesca, my granddaughters busied themselves exploring every nook and cranny and keeping their mother Meghan busy. My son-in-law Todd Coleman captured the event for posterity, and dear friend Nancy Richardson generously shared her many photos, some of which are posted here. 
After the party ended, a small group of dear friends gathered at Lake Chalet Bar and Grill on Lake Merritt for dinner. It was the perfect ending to a day I’ll never forget.
For the last few weeks I’ve been exploring “being in the tumble” as one recently retired friend so aptly put it. I’m giddy with new freedom, delirious with possibilities, and disoriented as can be. Mostly I’m thankful to be who I am, where I am, living the life I’m living. Maya was right! That is the way life lives.
A celebration that fit the passage! The perfect dress and dance and dance partner and family and friends! I just returned from three weeks on a European journey, relieved of my duties to which I now return refreshed and especially reoriented. Onward we go, dear Ellie, step by new step! xxxxSusan
Indeed, Susan. Glad you had a wonderful trip. Onward!
Wonderful post and blog! Love the black dress and turquoise idea and Maya’s “That’s the way life lives!”
Of course your writer’s eye catches. The details. Thank you!
Good for you,Eleanor! Here’s to your “next steps!”
Margaret – thank you!
Wow. Your will do amazing things as a “retiree”…I just KNOW this!
I have discovered that the free time is very much like being a teenager again,,,during summer vacation.
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Love,
Patti
Thanks, Patti. I agree ??❤️
It hardly seems possible that it has been such a long time since we last spoke. I am very happy for you as you start yet a new adventure. At the same time, I know too well how difficult confronting change can be. I can’t wait to hear where you go next!
Lots of love,
Audrey
Audrey,
Wonderful to hear from you! It’s been way too long. Yes, change can be challenging. On the whole, this is such a positive one, though, I’m enjoying it. Especially the extra sleep and the unstructured time! Send me an email, please, and let’s set up a time for a phone conversation.
xo
Eleanor. How great to hear of your next chapter in living the life! While I barely know you, I feel close to you because we are neighbors. All the best,Annette
Thank you, Annette. We really should start meeting by the back fence or at the park!
All good wishes to you, Eleanor!
Thanks, Mary Jo!
Congratulations Eli! Your life feels full and joyous and you deserve no less. I am so happy for you sweet lady.
Thank you, Lauren. Hope to see you soon!
Congratulations on your “transition”, Eleanor! You are anything but retired and no doubt will be busier–and happier than ever. Maya was right. Enjoy!?
Thanks, Kathy – you are so right. I’m gonna be very busy! And it feels wonderful!
Congratulations Eleanor! I haven’t seen you for about 7 years… But I remember the yoga classes we used to take over lunch hour at Harrison Street. I moved from Physician Education a couple of times and now have landed in Psychiatry for North Valley. You crossed my mind several times over the past few years. So happy for your new adventure! Enjoy the ride! ~Stacey(Hammock)Carpenter
Wow, Stacey! Nice to hear from you. What are you doing in Psychiatry? Hope it’s rewarding.
Miss our daily laughs!
Miss your daily consultations
Congratulations Eleanor! I have a feeling you will tumble on with grace. I look forward to reading what shows up.
Me too! Thanks.
Retirement is a new chapter in our life book, and the awesome thing is that we start with a wealth of experience. Let the imagination of fun and happiness be your guide in writing this new chapter of your life. Be your self awesomeness.
Mohammed
Thank you! I couldn’t resist a little editing. 😉