My big sister, Laura, is someone I look up to.  As the oldest of eight kids, she spent her early years taking care of her siblings.  She was also the one that had to break in Mom and Dad as parents.  She did the supervising role well, and she did a pretty good job being a bit of a rebel.

One morning, in the early 1970’s, Dad was having coffee with the guys at Marcelle’s restaurant in downtown Appleton.  There were peace-marchers walking down College Ave.  Someone said, “Hey, Jerry, isn’t that one of your kids?”  There was Laura, with her bellbottoms, long hair, and holding up a Peace sign. Yup, that is my big sis.

For her career, she worked full-time as a computer programmer, while she was raising two fantastic kids.  She eventually decided it was time to retire. That was over ten years ago. It didn’t last long.    She traded in her desk job and now she has three part-time jobs that keep her busy.  She works mornings at a home-improvement store, weekends at the performing arts center, and as Mom so proudly put it: “Laura works for the Packers!”  Come game-time, Laura is out there helping to keep order at Lambeau Field.

This week, we were talking, and Laura said, “You should tell your readers that they shouldn’t retire!  Tell them to find something they like doing and get a part-time job.  When you enjoy what you are doing, it isn’t work.” She explained why she is so passionate about it.  “You stay out in the world. You meet people, especially, if you work with young kids – that is fun! You have the knowledge.  Share it.  You are teaching the kids about having a work ethic. You basically become a teacher, – and you are getting paid.”

Then she got on a roll, saying, “You stay up with technology.  You keep your brain engaged, and you see people that you haven’t seen in forever.  I tell my daughter all the time, ‘It was fun at work today: I saw someone I haven’t seen for ten years.’ That sure wouldn’t have happened if I was sitting home watching TV.”

“Working is good for you.  You get lonely if you stay home.  Your world gets smaller and smaller. Work gives you a purpose.”

“It is good exercise, too.  If I had membership at a gym, I would have every intention of getting up in the morning and working out, but I might roll back over and skip it.  On the other hand, you have to be at work.  At my job, I walk that building back and forth multiple times.  It is just walking.  It is great exercise.

Laura said that when it is time to retire from your job, do it:  take some time to relax, unwind, enjoy – and then get a part-time job. Stay engaged, be involved.  Don’t become plastered to your recliner.

Well, Laura, I know you said I should tell my readers, but you did a pretty good job doing it yourself.  Thanks, Sis.  You always were a good role model.