New Beginnings
Yesterday was a big day.
I visited with a relative. We had been pretty close. And then there was a “thing” – a disagreement where I should have stepped in, but stayed silent, and we were both angry, and stayed angry – and almost thirty years have passed since that day. I blame myself. But yesterday I visited, and it was so nice. No regrets, just moving forward. I will visit again.
I have been on terminal leave since the day after Labor Day. Yesterday I filed papers to end my terminal leave. Effective January 3, I will be retired. I have been working for New York City since 1986, for the Board of Education since 1997. Not particularly long, as these things go, but long enough.
I told a few stories in the spring, about the beginnings of my career, and events along the way: Beginning. Applause. Union offices. Sailboat Ride. Subbing. Revolt. I will, in time, tell more.
And I will do something – not just write something – to mark the milestone. But later. When it is warmer.
For today? I did not want the event to pass without mentioning it. Walking out of school for the last time in July felt like a big deal. Filing the papers yesterday did, too.
JD2718 
Congratulations. It’s a big life change. Transitions—even positive ones—take some getting used to. You’ll have more time for writing, and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Much appreciated, thank you!
And yes, more reading, more writing, those are high on my list. They take some adjustment though!
Congratulations 🎉🍾
I was on terminal leave and just retired this past Nov. 9th. All the best.
Mea
Thank you – just ahead of me, huh? Any hints on what I have to look forward to?😀😀😃😄😎
Congratulations!
Thank you, James!
Congratulations it’s a big deal!
the photo reminds me of the end of the movie silence of the lambs when the final shot shows Anthony Hopkins walking amongst the locals