Monday, October 9, 2017

Terry and Deborah Ready for Retirement





Terry and Deborah Ready for Retirement

As I finish 28 years at Maryville College, I have been reflecting on the personal cost of being Director of Teacher Education, Chair of the Division of Education, classroom teacher, and supervisor of student teachers all at the same time. I have realized that my choices did take a toll. Deborah has been the one that has sacrificed the most. I recall many decisions that I have made, and I would like a redo on several of those decisions, but life does not work that way.

Deborah has three daughters; Anna, Meg, and Trisha. One lives here, another lives in Texas, and Trisha and her daughter, Victoria, live in Phoenix. Deborah is excited about living closer to her granddaughter, Victoria. My daughter, Jennifer, lives in Houston with her husband and my three grandchildren; Savannah, Daniel, and Isabella. We are eager to be closer to our grandchildren so we can be more involved in their activities and daily lives.
Deborah and I want to spend time investigating Western and Native American culture, especially art. Deborah is very knowledgeable in this field, but I do not know enough to even be classified as a novice. We are trying to find a way to purchase an RV in order to spend extended time at specific sites in the West. Both of us enjoy learning and plan to spend retirement being active.

As I often tell my students, when the train of opportunity comes by, get on board because it may not come by again. Deborah and I are ready to board that train.

Bless you my children,

Terry L. Simpson