Mark's retired.

My family has been hit recently with many unexpected medical, and financial issues that have honestly sent me back to a high level of anxiety.  I don’t want to talk about those here, but instead focus on my friend Mark.

Mark and I only met a few years ago while Geocaching.  He is one of the original Geocachers and has over 25,000 finds.  We met I believe at an event, then ran across each other a few times after.  Like me, Mark enjoys hiking and photography.  Our similar interests have helped us develop a great friendship.

Last Friday I took off work, met Mark and bought his lunch.  Mark retired and his last day of work was Thursday.  His last day was also his 67^th birthday.  It was a small gesture but I felt honored to do so.  He jokingly said he would return the favor when I retire.  Keep in mind he will be 84 years old then.

We both arrived early to Mission BBQ, a place I wanted to try but have never been to.  As the doors were not open, I got out of my car and hopped in his truck.  As usual, our conversation quickly shifted, after our hellos, to camera gear.  I was sporting my 16mm lens and was happy to share and display it for him.  He took a few shots and admired the lens.  A quick “whoa” when I informed him of the price of the lens, as he gingerly handed it back.

I curiously asked how his last day was and what feelings he was feeling at the moment.  He mentioned his longest vacation was two straight weeks, so I mentioned retirement might not kick in for two weeks then.  Mark told me how he would not miss the work, but had grown close to a few folks in “the plant” that he would miss the daily interaction with.  I think that is also how I would feel when/if my time ever comes.

As we entered Mission BBQ we were met with loud “hellos and welcomes” from the staff.  As mentioned I had never been here, but quickly my mouth watered as I saw the Heavenly choice listed before me.  I decided on pulled pork, as did Mark.  We paid headed to get our drinks and grabbed a table.  Before I was 6 different sauces, which I can only describe as the feeling a child has on Christmas morning.  I was drawn away at that moment as my name was called to go get the food.  Upon return, I sat down and started my investigative study of my favorite sauce.  The winner was Memphis Belle with a close second Texas Twang.

As we got settled in Mark spoke of his next few days’ plans.  He was going out that night with some of the folks from his work, then getting up Saturday morning and driving to Florida to pick up his wife at his sister’s house.  Lynn (his wife) has been down there since before Christmas and is also retired as well.

As mentioned in previous blogs, my idea of a vacation does not fall in line with what my wife, son or family like.  Marcie and I spoke about this and she mentioned that she would like me to take trips with Mark.  I text Mark and he mentioned that we would talk about it at lunch.  We did.  We floated around locations where we could go for short trips, and came up with a tentative game plan, looking at a “few months” before we can nail anything down.  The guilt and anxiety within me do not want me to go without my wife or son, but with her permission, I will give it a try and try to relax during the trip.  More to come on those trips if they happen.

As a friend once stated this gives me “something to look forward to”.  Our conversation flowed and eventually led back to photography.  Mark asked if we wanted to go shoot somewhere, asking if I had time.  I did.  I asked him the same, and he smilingly stated: “my wife is in Florida and I’m retired, I got time!”  We cleaned up and loaded in his truck, headed for the Falls of Ohio.

Recently there had been a crash on the river that left multiple barges stuck on the falls, and we were hoping to get some shots of those.  Also, the recent cold weather was still evident by snow and ice.  These led to some wonderful shots.  As we arrived and unloaded I spotted some footprints in the snow that I had to capture.  The gray skies and old iron train bridge also provided an awesome backdrop for a few shots.  After snapping a few shots, we walked down the steep slope toward the falls.

Our vantage point provided a wonderful view of the city and the partially frozen waterfall over the falls only added to the mood.  For me, this was perfect for black and white photos.  With the contrast of clouds, dark flowing water, ice on the falls, cool chill in the air, and yea the last barge in the shadow of the train bridge, provided me ample opportunity for some good shots.  Someone had cut a large hole in the chain-link fence above the falls and this provided natural framing for one shot for me.  With the fence on both sides, I was able to place the city skyline within the open hole of the fence.  It was a shot I had seen before but no one I had taken until now.  I also captured a few shots of Mark taking pictures to which he responded: “I rarely get pictures of me”.  They met his approval.

We captured what we could, got back in his truck and headed back to Mission BBQ so I could get my car.  I wished him luck for that evening and a safe drive to Florida, and we said our goodbyes.  I got and my car and headed home.

On my way home I thought about the many years I have left to work and the relief Mark must feel at that moment.  I yearn for that day to come for me and Marcie.  I am glad the universe allowed me to meet and continue a great relationship with Mark.  I am looking forward to our trips together, and hope now that he is retired we have more time to go shoot together.  This was an experience I enjoyed, looked forward to, and it didn’t disappoint.  I am hoping soon there will be more positive experiences in my life than negative ones, or at least a balance.  Happy retirement my friend, and here is to the next chapter of your life.

Until next time,

Tim