Well-said, Judy - so well-said. I was not able to make it P.C.'s event - I let him know that I was not able to - and he sincerely understood. I wanted to go, but my home responsibilities took precedence. My freindship with P.C. runs deeper than any event can reflect - we spent 29 years together - building mutal respect and growing through many shared (personal & professional) hardships and triumphs - and that has been the gift we gave to each other - a bond that is forged with love, tempered with respect.
The GIF of Polly and the Peaky women is perfect. It is about empowerment- humble, confident, and redeeming - knowing you gave your best. It was power beyond your control that opened the door to greater worth and prosperity. Not just financial - but more meaningful: with confidence rebuilt; courage confirmed; and opportunity for growth - leading to a greater pool of worth and prosperity for you, your family, and your friends.
I too am grateful for being led out that door and down hallways full of opportunity. Many of those doors were closed - even locked shut - but with nervous excitability and anticipation, I kept knockinbg on them. From Luke 11:9-10: "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." I found strength and courage to press on and find opportunities to sharpen my professional, academic, and spiritual senses - and I'm grateful that God opened those doors that I knocked upon.
That has givien me a sense of worth that no one can take from you - and because of the grace we stand in with Christ - no one will ever take it from you!
Your thoughts and insights are spot-on and Brandeis is lucky to have landed you. Your potential is only outweighed by your desire - a desire for self-fulfillment grounded in humility - and you are the prize to be won by the suitor.
I really understood this. After everything Tim and I went through with losing the hotel, I know that feeling of having to face places and people connected to something painful and somehow not let it make you feel small. It takes a lot to walk back in with your head high when part of you probably wants to run in the opposite direction.
I also loved what you said about your friends, because in the end it’s often the people who carry us through, not the place itself. Sometimes when life pulls the rug out from under you, you find out who was really there beside you all along. I’m so glad you went. 🌹
Thank you. You are so right about friends and who shows up when you need support the most. That's been a real blessing through this whole thing. Wishing you blessings on your journey, too.
So much of this resonates with me, as well. Although my situation was different, I experienced many of the same emotions, and absolutely feel the same way about having many friends, and wishing the best for a certain retire! Thank you for writing such a moving piece, Judy.
I'm so glad this resonated, Terri. And also kind of sad that it did, too. But you'remeant for better things. I'm truly delighted you've moved on to another chapter.
I love this for you, Judith. You do not sound like an introvert at all. Perhaps you have overcome it and don't even recognize that! Thanks for sharing. I am newly "retired" and having a hard time of it, so I appreciate hearing others' stories in these new phases of life.
I appreciate that, Maryann. I definitely get my energy from alone time, or small groups. Nothing drains me more than a giant party! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm sorry to hear you're struggling a bit in retirement. Transitions are not easy. All I can say is, keep reaching out.
Well-said, Judy - so well-said. I was not able to make it P.C.'s event - I let him know that I was not able to - and he sincerely understood. I wanted to go, but my home responsibilities took precedence. My freindship with P.C. runs deeper than any event can reflect - we spent 29 years together - building mutal respect and growing through many shared (personal & professional) hardships and triumphs - and that has been the gift we gave to each other - a bond that is forged with love, tempered with respect.
The GIF of Polly and the Peaky women is perfect. It is about empowerment- humble, confident, and redeeming - knowing you gave your best. It was power beyond your control that opened the door to greater worth and prosperity. Not just financial - but more meaningful: with confidence rebuilt; courage confirmed; and opportunity for growth - leading to a greater pool of worth and prosperity for you, your family, and your friends.
I too am grateful for being led out that door and down hallways full of opportunity. Many of those doors were closed - even locked shut - but with nervous excitability and anticipation, I kept knockinbg on them. From Luke 11:9-10: "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." I found strength and courage to press on and find opportunities to sharpen my professional, academic, and spiritual senses - and I'm grateful that God opened those doors that I knocked upon.
That has givien me a sense of worth that no one can take from you - and because of the grace we stand in with Christ - no one will ever take it from you!
Your thoughts and insights are spot-on and Brandeis is lucky to have landed you. Your potential is only outweighed by your desire - a desire for self-fulfillment grounded in humility - and you are the prize to be won by the suitor.
Keep writing, kid - you're worth following!
Blessings!
I really understood this. After everything Tim and I went through with losing the hotel, I know that feeling of having to face places and people connected to something painful and somehow not let it make you feel small. It takes a lot to walk back in with your head high when part of you probably wants to run in the opposite direction.
I also loved what you said about your friends, because in the end it’s often the people who carry us through, not the place itself. Sometimes when life pulls the rug out from under you, you find out who was really there beside you all along. I’m so glad you went. 🌹
Thank you. You are so right about friends and who shows up when you need support the most. That's been a real blessing through this whole thing. Wishing you blessings on your journey, too.
Thank you so much 🌹
Oooh, Judy! Yes! You go, Polly. Love this getting closure for YOU.
Thank you, Gayle! I aspire to Polly. 😆
Love this, and also love Peaky Blinders.
Sorry I missed you!
Sorry I missed you, too, Brian! Come to my writing workshop--Worcester public library, Tuesday June 9, 6-7:30 pm, free!!
So much of this resonates with me, as well. Although my situation was different, I experienced many of the same emotions, and absolutely feel the same way about having many friends, and wishing the best for a certain retire! Thank you for writing such a moving piece, Judy.
I'm so glad this resonated, Terri. And also kind of sad that it did, too. But you'remeant for better things. I'm truly delighted you've moved on to another chapter.
❤️
Fantastic essay, Judy! Lots of overlap with my life experience, but better written than I ever could.
Thank you, Mike! Our conversations are fond memories. I love that we connect here.
I love this for you, Judith. You do not sound like an introvert at all. Perhaps you have overcome it and don't even recognize that! Thanks for sharing. I am newly "retired" and having a hard time of it, so I appreciate hearing others' stories in these new phases of life.
I appreciate that, Maryann. I definitely get my energy from alone time, or small groups. Nothing drains me more than a giant party! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm sorry to hear you're struggling a bit in retirement. Transitions are not easy. All I can say is, keep reaching out.
Bill--we are going to keep knocking on those doors. No one can stop us now!
https://giphy.com/gifs/abcnetwork-the-goldbergs-anthony-michael-hall-kicks-door-hWjUbLtDcLdsAcZGXv
I love it!!!