On Friday evening, there was a reception at the local high school for the Lenoir City School System's retired teachers. About 20 or 30 of us showed up. Some were people I had not seen in the 13 years since I retired. All seemed to be more relaxed.

We had one in a wheel chair, and another walked with two canes, about half had diabetes, most had gained or lost weight, and some hair was thinner or lighter. But it seemed to be a happy bunch of people. (Tennessee teachers have a good retirement system.)

One history teacher, known for being a Civil War buff, said, "I never dreamed I would ever have a Confederate sword, but now I have two."

I was the only motor scooter collector there, but many were travel freaks. One had recently married, and a few had moved to a different location. Nobody admitted to having a job, and most realized that even retired, you don't have time to do all the things you want to do.

At least two had authored books, and one had gone into politics.

This is the beginning of the 100th year of our city school system. There will be a monument of some sort, probably at the high school, and retired teachers will have a tile with their name on it placed there. I like that better than a tombstone.
Howard