My dad was an optometrist in downtown Kansas City for 55 years. As age and health got the better of him, he reluctantly went from full to part time working hours. It was a big adjustment and one he could never fully wrap around. Then he went to one day a week which was harder still. The man is like a working dog...much, much happier when he is doing his job. So, when he had to retire completely, he was not a happy camper. He just didn't know what to do with himself and to top things off his body was declining.
It has been hard for him to move around much so subsequently he stays home much of the time and either naps or watches tv. Soon, he and my mom will be moving to a retirement community. The day we went to see the facility the woman who was their marketing/pr person greeted my dad enthusiastically and reminded him that he had been her first eye doctor when she was still in high school!!!
Recently someone mentioned to my dad that he could set up shop in his new digs and adjust peoples glasses for them. He perked right up at the idea and is definitely hanging onto all his tools as he and mom sort through their belongings while deciding what to take to their new home. It was a strong reminder that no matter how old or infirmed, we all to need to feel like we can still contribute.
1 comment:
I love the idea of him setting up shop and helping people with their glasses - brilliant!
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