KEEP WORKING?? (See posting.."Retirement." October 8)

If you are retired, but find it is less than fulfilling, you are not alone. Many people learn that retirement is not what was anticipated. I recently was on the elevator in the J. C. Penney Office Building in downtown Salt Lake City. I overheard a conversation of two ladies. One asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you had retired." The other lady responded,, "Yes. I did retire but I am so bored. I have nothing to do. I just came by to see you and some people and talk about my former job. I really miss it."

I think there are many just like that. Retirement is not as fulfilling as anticipated. Going back to work or deciding to continue working after retirement age is a true and growing option for many people. (Current economic conditions also lend support for this concept.)

Some assume that working after retirement age is demeaning. Nonsense!! Working is one of the joys of life.It is the working person who is a happy person. Man was made to be active, and is never as happy as when he is so. It is the idle man who is more frequently the miserable man.

I recently visited a large Wal-Mart store in St. George. I was greeted by a very familiar, smiling face. A gentleman who was a very prominent banking executive in Salt Lake City had retired and moved to Utah's Dixie. He wore the familiar Wal-Mart vest and was merrily saying "Hello and welcome" to arriving shippers. He could see by the expression on my face that I was a little surprised to see my beaming, smiling greeter. He really didn't need to explain but he let me know how very much he was enjoying his new lifestyle. He told me, "Can you imagine how nice it is to be gainfully doing something that hopefully brings a smile to someones face and let them know they are appreciated?" He was sincere. It was obvious to all that he had a zest for life and at the age of 81 was enjoying life abundantly. Success can be reached and measured not so much by position that one is performing in life as by the satisfaction is produces to the giver and receiver. My retired banking friend was very successful in his past full time vocation and also now in his new endeavor. Happiness come from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply and the think freely.

HE'S TERMINAL

A man went to the doctor. The doctor examined the husband and then asked the wife to come into his office for a confidential report.

"Your husband is in very serious condition. It could be fatal unless he gets very special treatment. It is imperative that he has no stress in his life. He should never be asked to do any chores or pick up after himself. Make certain that every morning he has a nutritious hot breakfast. Lunch should always be right at noon and keep in the mind the five food groups. Don't bother him about financial issues and keep any unpleasantness away from him. Of prime importance is that he will need a great deal of loving affection. It's important that he receives amorous attention at least three times a week."

The wife returned to her husband and he asked, "What did the doctor say?"

She replied, "Sweetie, you're going to die."

INCENTIVE!!

A wealthy, elderly banker had a strong urge to have grandchildren. He had two daughters and two sons and though married for several years they had never gratified his desire for grandchildren. At the annual family gathering on Thanksgiving Day, he chided them gently to bless his old age with grandchildren.

"I haven't given up hope," he said. "Yesterday, I went to the bank and set up a one hundred thousand dollar trust fund to give to the first couple to present me with a grandchild. Now, let us all bow our heads while I say a prayer of thanks."

When he looked up, he and his wife were the only ones left at the table.