During an examination of my eyes this afternoon the optomitrist asked me if I was married or had any children. When I said no on both counts, he replied: "Then you have a pretty stress-free life." I had to admit that I do, at least at this particular point in my life. I just graduated from college with a master's degree in English and Publishing on Saturday, the extension of unemployment benefits has enabled me to complete that degree in an accelerated manner and I have enough of a cushion in savings that I don't need to panic while I step up my job search. I have most definitely been blessed. As I've said before, God is good.

I am the first in my family of seven to earn a college degree and that honor brings with it much expectation. My father left school in the eighth grade, a common thing in his day. Education was not as important as earning a living in the decade preceding WWII. My maternal grandmother only made it through the fifth grade. But what they lacked in formal education they made up for in street smarts and common sense. So I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

I know it's not the ideal situation to lose your job at age 53, but for me it was a new beginning, the start of living for my dreams. I left behind a job where I was rarely appreciated and constantly belittled. On the first day after being laid off I started this blog. With this forum I could work through being forced into early retirement and showcase my talents to my little heart's content without worrying about any negative repercussions. I don't have to please anyone but myself and that freedom is the joy of my life right now.