I wanted to be a nurse since I first cared for my wish-niks (trolls) as a 5 year old. That dream became a reality when I started "nurses training" in 1976 at Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing. And what a wonderful journey it has been! I can think of no other career where you can interact with people from so many different walks of life and have such a variety of choices in roles and work settings.
But now, after 40 years in healthcare, I have decided to pursue other interests on my "bucket list".
So what is that? Farmer!
More specifically - gardener, shepherdess, mini donkey trainer, weaver, spinner, dyer, blogger.
I made my departure from Providence Hospital on January 8, joining Pete full-time at the farm. To do what you ask. Well, the usual farm chores start early in the morning and then follows about a 3/4 mile jaunt through our 'back forty'. . .
. . . attended the SC Agribiz and Farm Expo; updated the blog; set up and started a plan to teach myself to weave, spin and dye fiber; start the training for Jenny (my mini donkey) to eventually pull a cart . . .
. . . we've had several overnight guests including our grandgirls for their 'first away from home without parents' trip. . . .
. . . and yes, I have secured consultant work with a palliative care program in the state and volunteered some time with our regional Hospice & Palliative Care organization.
I love this definition on a photo frame a friend of mine gave me:
Re-tired (Adj.) 1. When you are exhausted again and again from having so much fun. See also: new beginning
So, for me, it's not retirement . . . it's the next leg on life's journey.
Farmer Debby
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