Dr. Laura:
My husband retired early - six years ago when he was 62. I'm 7 1/2 years younger than he is, so I'm still working for at least a few more years. When he retired, I would wake up, get ready and go to work. It was difficult at the beginning for me because I was jealous that he could stay in bed and I had to leave.
But then, within the first week of him being home, I'd come through the door after work, and I'd smell dinner in the oven. Wow! Then I discovered the laundry was done. Double wow! We have a housekeeper who comes in once a week to clean for us, but after the first few weeks of his being home, my husband said, "I don't know how you did all of this when the kids were small." He told me that he had a newfound respect for me too.
We truly love each other and enjoy ourselves now that our kids are up and out. We've been married 37 years. Recently, at dinner with friends, my husband told them that I was the best thing that ever happened to him. I responded that he was to me as well!
Colleen
