Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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Joined: 09/30/2002
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I have heard this said and didn't really know what it meant until yesterday. I retired from a local law enforcement agency in 02. The county has a annual spring picnic for all the employees and retirees. Yesterday was the day and since I missed the one last year, I decided to go. Although I saw a lot of my old friends there and some folks I had not seen since retirement, I was no longer a 'part of the group'. Oh I was welcomed and the 'glad to see you again' came regularly, I was no longer part of the inner sanctum.
But I also saw a lot of old guys who were still hanging in there and needed some reason to get out of the house. No one, well maybe a few folks, knew who they were.
I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself. I went from a big deal homicide investigator, known throughout the government and the state law enforcment to just another has-been, with folks wondering who I am.
I expect this will be my last picnic. It was just plain depressing and even though I saw friends, my best friends were not there. Perhaps they figured it out before me.
Oh well, time to travel.
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Cauzin Chaos
Heaven = Grandbaby!!!!
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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This post made me sad. We have always enjoyed having the retirees come back to our functions. I never would have imagined any of them thinking this way, but, perhaps they do. I will make more of an effort to speak with them and to include them in the things that are being talked about or whatever. We also have special events for retirees and alumni. I know they really enjoy the old gang getting together again and catching up.
Does the county do anything like a special get-together for retirees? Maybe you could start it with a cookout or something... get them all together and have a great time.
All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he'll listen to me any day.
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tonkatoys
maine
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Joined: 01/17/2007
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i know what you mean. after retiring in 03 i finally went back to the annual picnic last year and there were many many new faces who had no idea who i was. i also was head of a det. bureau known thoughout the county and some state agencies. but i did feel out of place and even people i worked with that still were working talked about current cases in which i was kind of left out. i am not one that likes to sit a tell old war stories so not being up on the current events you just kind of sit there and nod your head. say the least only stayed a short time and was on my way.
each year i would assume it will only get even worse as newer people are hired, so i guess for me i will just have my memories to think about and leave the picnics for the newer and men still on the job to have their comradety among each other as i and other retirees had in years gone by.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in
a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, loudly proclaiming---WOW WHAT A
RIDE!!!
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oldsffan
east coast
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Joined: 06/25/2006
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Why not get together with some of the people you worked with that also retired and have a cookout or gathering at a campground? That way everybody will know each other and have some common experiences to talk about and won't feel left out.
Warped enough to power the Enterprise
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crazyoldcoot
South of Arkansas
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Joined: 07/15/2006
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My old Highway crew always have a Christmas get together (usually a fish fry)last workday before Christmas Eve. In March 2006 I retired and attended that one in December. I enjoyed seeing everyone and the administrator called on me to ask the blessing however I didn't eat because I did not want them to think I just came to get a free meal.Didn't go in 2007. Why? I don't really know.
It reminds me of leaving home. When you live at home going into the fridge is quite normal but leave for awhile and go back for a visit. It just doesn't feel the same. At least not to me.
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rondynowincomfort
Lebanon, OR.
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Joined: 08/05/2004
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I'm sorry you felt this way when you attended the picnic. I'm not old enough to retire, but I to find this sad that you felt this way.
While reading your post the one comment you made that made me the saddest was you called yourself a has been. You are not a has been. No you are not the well known homicide investigator you were, but you are still a wonderful person who has just moved on to another chapter in his life.
Take care.
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RV-1/2n-FUN
FL.
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Joined: 03/30/2003
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You are so right.
Brought this song to mind....
link
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KeninAZ
SE AZ
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Joined: 06/22/2002
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You are correct. For for some that's a good thing as many I worked with in the past I did not care for.
most of the people I liked also got away and went elsewhere and I still see them in our travels and email them.
The money and retirement was good though even if a lot of the people were not!
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salem
Central Valley, Ca
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Joined: 05/01/2004
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Horsedoc: Enjoyed your post. I retired five years ago after being a cop for 31 years. Had never stepped foot back in the office till last week when I had to get my I.D. card (with CCW endorsement) renewed. There are no negative reasons as to why I don't visit regularly. Bottom line is, it's just not mine anymore. You're part of a brotherhood/sisterhood while in uniform. My old dept. has so many new guys I didn't know most of them. Oh well, gotta pack the 5er for our Memorial Day weekend trip. It's nice not having to ask for days off. Let's agree to turn our old lives over to the new generation and set off on new adventures. Enjoy your retirement.
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Stressor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Joined: 05/29/2001
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You have hit on exactly what Tom Wolfe meant when he wrote the words.
Home is wherever you are, not where you once were, and the task is to make whatever activities we engage in meaningful in a way that reflects who we have become through our experience. Sign up to teach a police science course. 
Milton Findley (and Kerene)
A small piece of my mind...
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