I had no idea there were telltale signs on the white shirt I chose to wear that day. But when I arrived home, Cathi noticed right away … as soon as I walked in the door. And did we have a good laugh together! Had it not been for a longtime friend needing Cathi to be with her that day, Cathi would have been with me.
The event was a retirement party for a very special colleague. Not only did Linda and I start on the same day with the company we both worked for for 35 years, but we both recently left the company on the very same day.
With about 35 to 40 people in attendance, I was one of only two men there with Linda to celebrate this milestone. Many more of our colleagues would have been there, if only they could have. For most of my career with American Airlines as a Flight Attendant, there was always a higher ratio of women to men. Lucky me!
So Charles and I were in the company of all these beautiful women, most of whom I’ve know for 25 to 35 years. And most of whom still look to be 25 to 35 years of age … for a multitude of reasons. Many fond memories of good times were shared of countless and seemingly endless hours in flight, far flung worldwide destinations from London to New York, from Buenos Aires to Miami, from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and everything in between. (If airplane wings could talk!)
And there were lots of hugs and kisses. And … lipstick on my collar!
Photos:
1. Me with Linda
2. Charles, Linda, Andrea and me (with my airline ID and name tag, for old times’ sake!)
3. Clockwise from upper left hand corner: Andrea, me and Shirley; Tracy (our gracious hostess in her beautiful home) and Linda (with her cake!); Joann and PJ (another very special friend that started at AA the same day Linda and I did, but preceded us into retirement); Me with Leeanne (aka Leela); An array of delcious food; Outdoor patio with sweeping panoramic views; Leeanne and Margo (our gracious co-hostess)
4. American Airlines memorabilia
Debra @ A Frugal Friend says
What a great post David! I’m sure there were so many memories. Can’t wait to see you soon!
David says
Thanks Debra! Looking forward to seeing you and your family, too.
PS. Boo!