The day finally arrived.
I have been preparing to retire for a year, both financially and mentally. But suddenly after 37 years I was driving the road from Raharney through Ballivor and onto Baconstown for the last time.. It was surreal, though I admit I won't miss driving on that bog road in the frost and snow.
Then tonight I headed to The Hamlet for my retirement dinner. I had asked my sister if I could stay in her house as she lives nearby. She said of course, she was heading out for a Chinese meal with her friends. Eleanor a teacher from school was to pick me up there.
I arrived at the house to just find Michael my brother-in-law. He stammered and stuttered a bit and said Jacqueline was gone out. I waited a while and then got a bit worried. I rang Eleanor to see where she was. When she answered I could hear peals of laughter in the background. It seems my sisters and brother were there as a surprise for me. However so was Eleanor! They had gotten their wires crossed and each thought that the other was bringing me. So everyone was in the hotel....except for the main person....ME! Thankfully my niece drove me over in time for the party!
I had a brilliant night. There was dinner, drinks, a photo slideshow of my life and career, presentations, gifts and flowers. It was like a funeral.....only I was there to hear all the nice things that people were saying about me!!!
The best part was the past pupils and parents who called in to the pub afterwards to wish me well in my retirement.
It is the sign of a good night when the barman drops you home at 5.15am. God, that hasn't happened to me in years.
Today I've realised I've run out of vases :)
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