Posted on May 29, 2020

If you’ve won the game, stop playing. – William Bernstein Taxonomic Classification: Contentus retirus
He’s done his time and now he’s reaping his well-earned rewards. This dad has his priorities straight and is the master of his own time. He’s relaxed, happy and always ready for a good time. After years of watching the clock, commuting, endless meetings (and did we mention meetings?), he is finally free.
He’s learning to cook, loves to journal, and knows more about pop-culture than you do. Free from professional and family obligations, this is his chance at a second childhood, and life is one big adventure again. His knees may protest a little but his heart is raring to go. He has rediscovered life’s greatest joys – dogs and naps.
Recent retirees sometimes experience a sort of survivor’s guilt, nd may need a slight push to get them to accept their due and enjoy this new phase of life. The best gift you can give him this Father’s Day is a gift that fill him with purpose. There are many productive hobbies he can explore – ink-mixing, calligraphy, letter-writing, journaling (it’s so addictive it had to be mentioned twice) etc. This is also a great time to really get to know your dad. Catch up on all the things he missed while he was stuck at work. Make time to sit with him and learn to appreciate the quiet beauty of a good cup of coffee, an evening rain shower, and the beauty of time itself.
Whether your dad is a retirement rookie or veteran, he would love to hear from you. His best years are ahead of him and you should be a big part of them. There are so many ways for you to connect. Call on June 21st and tell him you love him, or give him a personalized Father’s Day gift from William Penn’s incredible catalogue.
Also, consider getting your mom a really nice present because in the immortal words of Ella Harris - “A retired husband is often a wife’s full-time job”.