A Job Well Done

I recently attended a retirement party and I’m sure you’re already thinking this blog will not be even remotely interesting. And maybe to some of you it won’t be. But I was excited to go to this party because although I suspect I was invited by accident, lol, I was looking forward to seeing the guests I knew as well as the honoree.

The party was unique in that it wasn’t a huge formal affair or a cake in a conference room. It was held at a country club in a very relaxed atmosphere with a barbecue buffet. People dressed up for the event, which is rare these days, and everyone seemed happy to be there and share in this moment.

I know this will sound crazy, but what I loved most about this party were the speeches. There were speakers representing the main places where the honoree had worked throughout his lifetime, not just the specific location from which he was retiring. The speeches were funny and touching, each person telling a story depicting the upstanding character of the honoree and showing how well loved and appreciated he was. They gave him gifts that were specific to his and their job roles and/or the stories they were sharing, and I have to admit, I got a little teary at times.

There was music and singing and the evening was filled with respect, kindness, joy, and sincerity. The coworkers from the job he was leaving worked very hard gathering people from his past to participate in this celebration. And they worked equally hard at keeping it a surprise. They told him he was invited to sing at a couple’s anniversary party or maybe it was a wedding, so he came wearing a tux, lol.

As we move on from a life that has defined us for decades, we should all be celebrated in a way that shows us how valued we were and how our hard work and dedication will always be remembered and treasured. I was truly happy the honoree got to see how much he was revered and loved.

This was the epitome of how a lifetime of achievement should be honored.