Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Pulled the pin today

I turned in my resignation today and will enter the ranks of the retired on September 11. I hadn't planned on retiring this early but I came to the conclusion I cannot buy these years back. My wife was diagnosed with early onset dementia last year. Not real noticeable yet to most, but I see the progression. I want to spend time with Etta while she is in reasonably good physical health and before this insidious disease takes it toll and we cannot do and enjoy the things we've always loved.

There will come a point when I have to care for her daily. Maybe in a year, maybe in ten years. That's the reality of dementia. I didn't want to work up until that point and then regret missing these good years when we could enjoy being together. It will be a big change but we are in a pretty good place financially. I'll still do some fill in work for the company and still have my credentials as a firearms instructor and wildlife intervention instructor and will do classes from time to time for the company.

And I have the sawmill. I'm looking forward to the freedom to run it without the demands of a full time plus job. It has turned a pretty good bit of business for me already this year. The beauty of the mill is it doesn't call me on my off time. It doesn't text me with the latest emergency as I'm walking in the church doors Sunday morning. And it doesn't mind if I want to take a day off to spend it with Etta.

So retirement here I come. I wasn't sure I'd actually get to this day.

Good on you Mart. I wish you two many happy days.

Congratulations! Enjoy YOUR time.

Congratulations. You've earned it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as possible.

Good luck.

Glad you can spend some time.

Enjoy your time together. Retirement is a start not an end. Edk

I think that’s a good decision .




Happy Trails


Bob

You both need to go knock out some bucket list sightseeing destinations.

Wish i would have done that years ago now. Didnt want to quit seeing patients i had seen for years and considered as friends. Didnt trust other eye docs to take care of them. Eye docs are sometimes a crazy lot. Exept for me, of course.

Now i fear i dont have what it takes to do the fishing i worked to retire to do. Theres another eye doc in town needing some help. Ha. Poor bastid. Wonder if i should go help him out.

A decision, I too would make, if ever faced with same.

😎

Congratulations...

Sorry to hear about your wife. Hopefully with the advances in medication, the onset will be postponed as long as possible. Good job regarding your priorities, I admire that! Enjoy your retirement!

Good decision.

Enjoy, and best wishes for Etta.

Good man.
Good decision.

I'm so sorry about your wife. I will pray for her recovery.
I just spoke about that issue to a group, some of which know they have early stage dementia, at an assisted living home. .....so I can sympathize.

With the Lord's help, I was able to see a complete reversal of a family member's dementia. He went on to live independently for two more decades. That's all I can say online, but wanted to encourage you.
She is blessed to have a husband like you.

Good decision and best of luck

Indeed.

Mart, I am very sorry to hear about your wife having dementia. I know what it means as my wife suffered early onset Alzheimer's disorder, also. I wish you and your wife the very best.

I suggest you get a copy of The 36 Hour Day book. It is extremely helpful, written by two medical people who have dealt with dementia patients for some time. It certainly helped me when things became more and more difficult.

Best of luck.

L.W.

Best wishes to you and Etta. We only get one turn on this merry go round of life. Seek your happiness.

Can't think of a better reason to retire, than to spend more time with family. God bless you and yours.