Retirement: day 1

I was showered this weekend with well wishes, gifts, affection, and prayers as this new adventure begins. My thoughts keep returning to the quote I shared at the party on friday evening. These words are spoken by the title character, Jayber Crow, in the book by Wendell Berry. Jayber is reflecting on his life as a barber in a small Kentucky town.

I am a man who has hoped, in time, that his life, when poured out at the end would say,

"Good-good-good-good" like a gallon jug of the prime local spirit.

I am a man of losses, regrets, and griefs.

I am an old man full of love,

I am a man of faith.