When life begins

There is an old joke about three rather scholarly men discussing the origin of life. The first stated "Life begins at conception." The second said, "I don't agree, life begins at the birth of a child." The third gentleman chimed in, "I believe that life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies." Many residents of Nassau County can relate to this topic of humor.

As many of us have learned, rather painfully at times, retirement from a busy work and social schedule is not such a smooth and easy adjustment. This can be even more difficult when the kids and grandchildren live long distances away. Sometimes, you can't live with them or without them. Thank goodness for modern methods of communicating - that is, if we learn how to use them. E-mails, digital cameras and CDs, and a variety of new toys and tools can make the break a lot easier. I say this as one who is not a rocket scientist on the computer.

In my opinion, there are at least two areas to cover when entering the empty nest syndrome.

One is to get involved in something that gets you out of the house; another is to keep and/or revive your sense of humor - it has great healing power. In my experience, men may have a more difficult time forming relationships, especially if they don't play golf or tennis or like to fish.

One of the difficult but necessary secrets in solving this dilemma is to motivate yourself and accept the fact that you have a lot to give or share with others. The challenge is to take some chances in a helping, voluntary role rather than a work setting.

What is there to do with all this time on your hands and, if you're married or in a relationship, can you handle all this together stuff? Comedian Jackie Mason, for those of us old enough to remember, had the following routine: "Why are all the men who retired from business and moved to Miami seeing psychiatrists? Because instead of managing a business or other various endeavors, their biggest decision now is where to put the potted plants."

Although getting licensed in Florida was no fun, I've been fortunate enough to be able to continue my business on a modified basis.

There are many opportunities for those of you who are also in the "golden years" - boy, do I hate that expression.

There are many community service organizations in which to volunteer.

They range in interest areas across a wide spectrum. Some of those are the following:

Amelia Arts Academy, Amelia Community Theater Guild, Friends of the Library, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Amelia Island Museum of History, Amelia Island Newcomers, Baptist Medical Center Nassau Auxiliary, Big Brothers and Sisters, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Joy to the Children, Micah's Place, Nassau County Council on Aging, Nassau Humane Society and the Terpsichorean Dance Club.

This list just scratches the surface.

Most of you have a lot to offer regardless of your age or that of those you are helping. Mentoring young people in this society of single-parent families is another invaluable commodity. Just imagine the knowledge and wisdom you can share with a child, regardless of age. You may also have an idea about starting a new activity or going in a more imaginative direction; perhaps another career is in your future.

Remember: The most important part of most voyages begins with taking the first step. The Nassau County Volunteer Center can help you find the organization and the service that best suits you, or if you have an interest but don't know where to begin, send me an e-mail - rhowat@comcast.net - I'll try to help.