D's uncle died suddenly last week. He was 67 yrs old and retired a couple of years ago after a long and fruitful career running his own construction company. Happily married for decades with healthy children and grandchildren.
They has just come home from their vacation down south when he fell over and was taken to the hospital. He died 2 days later from advanced lung cancer no one knew he had. They had plans to tour the States in their motor home. The one big purchase they worked so hard to attain. It was a sad day.
The subject of stress has been on the top of most people's conversation and the concept of waiting til what the "normal" acceptable retirement age to begin living. Most times when the subject of early retirement would come up, most people roll their eyes at us. Not so that day.
I noticed a significant increase in interest about our plans, especially when we are able to talk in terms of short time lines. It's much easier to comprehend a 2 - 5 yr time span vs 25 yr.
So very sorry to hear about "D"s uncle. The same thing pretty much happened to my dad a few years after he retired. Personally I think the earlier one can retire the better off they are.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences. We talk about that at work too. Retire when you can, pass on jobs to the younger, and enjoy every moment of your life. I have seen too many retire late and pass on within 2 years of retirement.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear of your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. 67 is way too young to die.
ReplyDeleteMy own father is dying of lung cancer but I'm happy to say that he's enjoyed 22 years of retirement, and if he makes it to the fall, he will have attained the ripe old age of 87! When he finally passes, I will have the peace of knowing he experienced wonderful things during his retirement!
I feel so badly for people who retire and pass away within a few years, never getting the chance to enjoy what the were waiting and planning for all their work life.
My darling dad died 8 days after his 60th birthday after a fall - and then advanced lung cancer discovered at the hospital. We had him for 9 short weeks. He never saw retirement. My Man Wonderful is 63 and is looking at being made redundant, and I say "bring it on"! We will be poorer, but he will have far less stress!! so we live on beans on toast and fart our way into old age!! FMx
ReplyDeleteHi Sue;
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that similar happened to your dad. I can't agree with you more.
Hi Jolie;
Thank you. Not many people think of the concept of passing on job to the younger as being what I feel a "rite of passage". It ought to be.
Thanks Jan!
Hi Makky's Mom;
I'm sorry to hear that your father is going through difficult times. I hope he is in good spirits and not suffering from pain.
Hi foster mummy;
How horrible what happened to your dad. I cannot imagine the shock.
I think you and your husband have a great attitude. Time is worth so much more than money.