"MY TURN" is becoming a Reality!

When I retired from Federal employment in October, 2005, my oldest daughter, Debbie, said the theme of my retirement would be, "MY TURN". Now what does that mean...after all this was a time in my life that I had waited for from the first day I started in December, 1965. As a matter of fact I came into the government (SSA) under Medicare Part A & B, and I went out on Part C And D. Now isn't that something?! Anyway, my daughter stated that I had been there for everyone but myself and now it was a time to ME so therefore, it was MY TURN!

After I had retired, I was driving down 8 Mile road in my brand new gift for my retirement, BMW, 325XI series, the car of my dream and my cell phone ranged, and who else was it but one of my children. "Ma, where are you?! We would rather that you go back to work, because at least we could find you then, now we can't find you!" After all, my child, you attended my retirement party and I believe the theme was - My TURN! "Yeah Right", came the retort. Yes, indeed it is my turn! I can go to bed when I please, get up when I please, and eat when and what I desire. What a life! At first I felt guilty with these undisciplined habits, then my Honey reminded me that I am retired, so take no guilt tickets. From then on, when guilt tried to get me because I chose to stay in bed all day and watch Lifetime, I stand firm and remind myself of all the times I went to work and didn't want to go to work, all the times I went to work sick and not feeling well because of a mean boss, etc. and I knew I needed my job for my health. The doctors said it was healthy for me to have a roof over my head, and food to eat, and clothes on my back.

Since I have been here in Tennessee a little over a week I can see that I am getting in the swing of taking care of ME and I am enjoying it. I am not rushing to get to the phone, not getting out of shower for knocks on the door, etc. just taking care of me as best I can, and being as patient as I can be with me. I also know in taking care of myself that I cannot afford a negative thought, at least not for very long, and that I am nobody trash can, if I can't lift another person up, then I can pray for them as that is what I would want someone to do for me.

When I left Michigan coming to Tennessee it was on my mind to be sure to see a former neighbor that lived across the street from my mother. As she had been ill for sometime and she felt well enough to send me a Thanksgivings card saying how both of us has so much to be thankful for. Dornetha Taylor,age 58, raised her siblings after her parents passed away and went on to become principal of the local high school. In addition to that she was my daughter's mentor. My mother treated her family as her own and always remembering them on special occasions, and if my mother did not see them she would call them, etc. We felt like a part of their family. When I would go to Tennessee and work for a few months to care for my mother Dornetha would loan me a warm sweater to wear on those cold days. She even made me the best potato pie I ever had. The last time I saw Dornetha was last year in February, when my Honey spoke at her church for Black History regarding Tuskegee Airmen. She did not look like herself and at that time she wanted to make me a pie. She passed away this week and I did not get an opportunity to see her, as when I called I was informed by her caregiver that she was ill and to call back. Now that I did not see her, I must not beat up myself but strive to be more timely in future events.

I had planned on seeing lots of people while here as I understand the church where I grew up, had me in their bulletin, but it will be a "one stop" occasion as the entire city of Covington will probably be at this funeral and since I plan on being there, they will see that I'm still alive, I could have been dead and gone, but God said live on...I'm so glad to be here!

My oldest sister has been a gracious hostess, as she is a wonderful cook and she insists on cooking daily and we race to do the dishes. She doesn't feel well herself, but she tries to take care of me. I appreciate it, but I prefer that we take care of each other. Being here in her home I actually feel like I am wanted. I don't like staying at people houses more than three days, but with my sister's warm hospitality I feel like I would like to come again. Of course when I get home this time, I plan on being there a while as I am more frail than I want to admit - this is a process of taking care of me!

Gotta go get ready to go to my oldest brother's house before they go to bed, as he is Pastor of a church in Memphis. He thinks he is some father figure to me (I guess) but I think he is a very nice, handsome man that is very kind and gentle. His wife is jealous of our relationship, but that's okay because this feud has been going on since I was about 8 years of age, so we laugh a lot about it, as she is an awesome woman herself.