We met with Tim's radiologist yesterday at CHOMP (Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula). What a great doctor/guy! He was very personable, super easy to talk to, and amazingly accomplished. The good news is that Tim won't need a lot of radiation, about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, five days a week. We were picturing a few months worth. He also won't get a lot of rads as the type of mass he had in his shoulder responds very well and easily to radiation.
After, we drove to Salinas for my retirement party. No gold watch for me, not that I wanted one. It was a very nice, simple party with everyone there having a great time. Besides my retirement, we were celebrating two others. Marsha, who has been the principal at Laurel Wood for the last four years, and Cheryl, who has taught for well over 30 years. Both women are very dedicated and excellent teachers, the kind you'd want your children to have. They presented us with gift certificates to a local spa, a very nice, and well appreciated gift. I got a little emo when giving my short speech, didn't want to go there with the tears, it's not really me. However, I do feel a real loss at this major shift, this final decision, as it wasn't planned, and it happened so quickly. The decision was made for me in a few seconds on that hill in Wyoming.
I am excited about my new life, this one I'm experiencing now. After working for so many years in such a tiring and stressful career, I can now do what I want and I am excited about the opportunities that are unfolding.