My Dad’s retirement ceremony was today. He spent over 47 years delivering people’s mail in the Chamblee, Georgia area. What were you doing in 1964? That was the year he started.
I have been to retirement ceremonies where it was a celebration to see the person go. This ceremony made me proud to be his son. So many of his work mates came up to us and told us how much Dad had meant to them. The Atlanta Postmaster was on hand to read his retirement letter. While he was reading that, I was reading the faces of Dad’s co-workers. They were broken up to see him go. Sure, they wished him the best and are glad for him, but there was genuine disappointment in their eyes. Dad is one of those people that others like to be around. He is quick to laugh at someone’s bad joke, he knows and cares for those around him, and is always willing to lend a hand to help. Dad also carried his weight at work. His supervisor said, “He is the hardest working man here. If I had a station of Mr. Spells, we would be the top Post Office in Atlanta.”
Government is a cruel mistress. When a person retires, the machinary just keeps right on going. Often, after a week or two, the retiree is already forgotten. I have a feeling that it is going to take longer than that to forget the legacy my Dad is leaving behind at his work place. I would like to add my congratulations to those he has already received. I am excited for what the future holds for Dad & Mom and believe that their best days are ahead!
