Almost the entire working population dreams of their retirement day. It’s what we do. We look to the future with anticipation. But I must admit I’m not looking forward to retirement. When I express my feelings within a group of elders they are quick to point out that I’m too young and as I get closer to retirement age I will become ready.

I’m sure there is some truth to that statement. I could tell when my brothers-in-law were ready to retire by the way the spoke. Perhaps retirement is a natural life transition, similar to the caterpillar cocooning to become a butterfly.

I remember my mother commenting when Dad retired, he got to retire but she still had to work; i.e. cook, clean, etc. There was simplicity and profundity in her statement. The truth is as long as we live we have to work. We might not receive monetary compensation, medical and hospitalization benefits but we still have to work to maintain our families, homes, and bodies.

Less than a century ago most of us lived on self-sufficient farms which required tending to the livestock, crops and buildings. The farmer never retired. Today many small business owners also delay their retirement. These individuals know retirement is just an illusion and that people need to keep busy. Those who have retired usually find a part time job, volunteer or immerse themselves in a hobby. Most retirees tell me to remain idle is to sit around waiting to die.

Of course, there are some retirees who are physically unable to work but they still provide stability for their family, neighbors and community. Many of them are what I call “prayer-medics” or “prayer warriors.”

I’ve noticed the same things that retirees enjoyed as teenagers are what they gravitate towards again. Some are crafting, coloring, and playing sports. I’ve decided retirement is more of a state of mind than a way of life, therefore last year I declared myself retired but still working. Why wait until I’m 62 or 65. Instead of wishing my life away I’m living the illusion!

Upcoming events:

Brown’s Sweet Shop was closed last weekend for kitchen renovations. This weekend they are again open Thursday – Sunday 5 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. there will be “Aviation Day” at Spillers Field, 9724 State Route 121. This is a free event with aircrafts on display. Tonight is the North Star Open Air Dance with music beginning 6:30 p.m. with The MicStand Band followed by Renegade.

Sunday is the Versailles Eagles’ Auxiliary Breakfast Buffet from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Beginning at 12:30, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willowdell will be serving chicken dinners and offering various picnic activities for both children and adults.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 1 when the Versailles FFA brings a farmers market to the school’s greenhouse from 8 a.m. – noon. There will also be a band contest at Hole Field beginning at 2:30 p.m.

There’s still room to attend the Versailles Christian Center’s Wine and Canvas Night on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available to contacting Amy at 937/526-4679. This is the same night as the Whistling Goat Music and Art Festival held in the BMI Arena at 769 E. Main St., from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. This is an indoor fall festival with all types of music and vendors from every background. There will also be a film festival, children’s Halloween parade, artist exhibits and sales. All profits go to college scholarships for local students. If you need a free pass come see me; I have a limited number available. And finally the VHS homecoming dance is also Saturday evening.

Birthday wishes to Allison Grace Horst (1), Dr. Charlie Hartzell, Dr. Jocelyn Roper, Jim Rahm, Marie Didier, Norma Magoto, Theresa Thobe, Landon Pleiman, Madison Covault, LouAnn Mussman, Norm Seubert, Kelsey Berning, Ashley Monnin, Joelle Delancey, Michele Henninger, George Brewer, Isabelle Ellis, Deb Brand, Nichole Stockslager, Miriam Harman, Brian Schwieterman, Jerry Bey, Stephanie Mestemaker, Ralph Gehret, Sarah Voisard, Shirley Billenstein, Rhonda Albers and Melanie Parin as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Tami and Mark Thomas (2), Morgan and Ben Seger (5), Maggie and Brian Knapke (8), Kari and Lance Bartram (8), Jenny and Kyle Francis (9), Mary Jo and Jim High (11), Sara and Doug Mendenhall (11), Tammy and Mike Poling (14), Angie and Kevin Lyme (20), Michelle and Kevin Flory (20), Sheila and Pat Voisard (26), Anita and Tony Knapke (26), Candi and Mike Etter (28), Lynne and Joe Schlater (29), Debbie and Mike Shively (34), Deb and Dewey Ward (40), Holly and Ted Finnarn (43), Linda and Pastor Dave Wilson (47), LouAnn and Pastor Jim Mussman (70).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Fr. John White, Glenn Monnin, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Bob Homan, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or home-bound.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Shirley Simon (85), Patricia Bergman (85), Norma Bergman (87), Sylvester Berning (88), Richard Speck (91) and remembering the lives of Lisa Coate, John Magoto, Ruth Edger, Treva Shimp, Waldo Fine, Janet Richhart, David Grieshop, Ralph Seger, Alva Pitsenbarger, Ruth B. Magoto, Mary Jane Kiehl, Alvin Schulze, Bill Goettemoeller, Virginia Hollinger, Bob Francis, Larry Miller, Guy Borchers, Pat Yount, Billy Turner, Kevin Rue, Mary Francis, Fr. David Heinl, Bob Rhoades, Jim Laub, Marie Minnich, Edna Sheffel, Bob Brumbaugh, JP Simon, Ann Subler, Dula Brand, Jerry Kuether, Homer Wood and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

For the Senager (A senior teenager)

I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later

I don’t have to go to work.

I get an allowance every month.

I have my own pad.

I don’t have a curfew.

I don’t have to get up to go to school.

I don’t ever have homework.

I don’t care if my hair is in style (I don’t have any).

I have a driver’s license and my own car.

The people I hang around are not afraid of getting pregnant.

And I don’t have acne.

“Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working on living.” ~Unknown

“The trouble with retirement is you never get a day off.” ~Unknown