Retirement Totally Rocks

So, back in December...


My Dad retired!!


He bid farewell to the company that he founded, that he poured so much of his life into (for 28 years), and that he loved (and still loves) dearly.


I still can't wrap my head around it.  He's pretty young to be retired... but he's worked so hard - and definitely earned it.  This past summer, when he realized retirement would become a reality, he began a countdown on his phone.  People questioned if he'd know what to do with himself... but he was SO excited to be able to focus on being a grandpa to 4 grand kids 3 and under. :)


High Touch (his company :)) threw him an amazing retirement party. Check out the caricature they had done for the invitations, cake, etc:

Isn't that awesome?!?  It looks just like him!! They combined so many things he loves... running, biking, skiing, the Packers, and being a handyman. :) Those are just a "few" things he enjoys.

Here are a couple of pictures from the party (couldn't get too many due to wrangling a newborn and a toddler :)).

People shared so many great stories about my Dad.  It was pretty cool.  The majority of the stories had nothing to do with work... people shared about how my dad encouraged them, how he was there for them during hard times in their lives, how he had touched them by being involved in their lives outside of work.  I was so proud.

When Dad shared it was neat to look around the room.  Lots of smiling faces.

The babies didn't let us stay and celebrate too long... Jericho is on the left, Ezra on the right.  It's strange that they won't know their Gpa as anything other than retired!  Avery keeps telling me that Gpa works at High Touch, and I have to explain what retired means... ha.

Dad, I am so proud of you.  You have worked so hard and it is amazing to watch you reap the benefits now.  I love that you'll be around the grandkids all the time and I love knowing you and mom will never get sick of each other. ;) I love how your job wasn't just a job.  So many people talked to me at the party and told me how much you mean to them.  You showed Jesus in all you said and did there.  People saw that.


Dad, thank you for working to provide for our family.  I know that it wasn't always easy... but I can't tell you how grateful I am.  Because of you, I went to a Christian high school.  Because of you I was able to get a college education without debt.  Because of you, I had a beautiful wedding with the man of my dreams.  Because of you we were able to afford the house we live in... and so many other things... your hard work has resulted in blessings that go beyond a generation.  So thank you.  Thank you for working so hard.


Now ENJOY RETIREMENT!! :) No doubt you will... starting with more time at the cabin, right??


I have to share a couple of videos... the first Asher gave Ezra a kiss and he smiles a bit... but it's funny because at the end you can hear Avery jamming... the second shows what she was doing.  She cracks me up.

So all that to say... retirement totally rocks. :) More December to come... I'll get caught up someday!