Reflections on 70

In October, I turned 70, retired from ECS, became an independent consultant and senior advisor to Delaware Valley Family Business Center, and decided to continue my board work with the for-profit and nonprofit world.

I also committed to my partner and spouse of 45 years that we would travel more, walk more, and I would go to the gym. The dog and I are working out that I am home for lunch. I'm not quite there with Jacqui yet, but we are figuring it out. I also plan to fish more as I have learned that fishing is not about the fish.

I am the youngest of three brothers and have seen what lies ahead through them. For the record, I am not a fan of "retirement. " ??I am a fan of staying active, staying involved in causes that interest me, and answering the call to service in ways that bring value.

I am looking forward to Jacqui and I doing more of this together. Retirement means we have the time to focus on what matters.

I am also learning that sharing our experiences and lessons with the younger folks entering the system is the best gift. To convey that your vote, your voice in the political process, and how you spend your time, treasure, and talent matters. That why we face many challenges; it is not an option to sit on the sidelines. Teddy Roosevelt was right. It is the man (or woman) in the Arena that counts. We need everyone in the Arena. Otherwise, the individuals on the far right and left will decide our future. Make no mistake: freedom around the world is at risk.

What matters is that we put Grandchildren over greed. That we look beyond our own backyard and see that poverty, freedom, and the environment are forces we ignore at not only our peril but that of future generations. Greed is a nasty word as it hits both at home and away. One would hope that the nation founded almost 250 years ago could look to our founding documents, live into its call to action, and be given current credence.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." And "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Establish Justice, promote the general welfare, free speech and press, redress of grievances. Quite a punch list, but not if we don't all get in the Arena and we hold ourselves and our leaders accountable. That would put Grandchildren over Greed. If we do not, go to Arlington or Gettysburg? National Cemetery and see the cost.

So much for retirement.