Today, February 1, 2014, is my husband’s “official retirement date.” He has achieved something that many Americans aspire to – retirement. He is focused on his next journey – hiking The Appalachian Trail. I am amazed that the time has seemed to fly as quickly as the airplanes he flew! I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote for the occasion!

 THOUGHTS ON ALAN’S RETIREMENT

I know this may be hard to believe,
But from American Airlines, Alan is taking his leave.
He will find it so very nice
To not worry about a checklist or the need to de-ice!

He’s been flying airplanes for so many years,
But now he’s retiring without shedding tears.
After all this time, he’s ready to go;
Will he miss the flying? He says “No”.

No more uniforms, schedules, and rushing for flights,
No more driving to airports mornings, noons, and nights.
No more Crew Scheduling trying to track him down…
They never stopped until he was found.

Flying fighters and airplanes is what he has known
Ever since from a boy to a man he has grown.
He has amassed accomplishments galore
From “The Academy”, the Air Force, “the Company” and more

Now, he’s focused on the Appalachian Trail;
I know the thought of it sounds very insane!

He’s ready for the next chapter of his life;
I’m blessed to share it with him as his wife.
Imagine! He’s now a retiree,
But what exactly does that make me?