After working for 43 years, I retired in 2018. There was a time in my life when I didn’t think I would be gainfully employed to experience the blessings of retirement. If you read my memoirs or blog posts, you probably know my family and I lived in abject poverty in the segregated South. I am the youngest of four siblings. Our parents stressed the importance of education. After graduating high school, my older siblings went to college, trade school, or business school. Three served in the military. Afterwards, they were able live productive lives.
After I graduated from high school, I earned a partial scholarship to Tennessee State University in Nashville. I chose to major in nursing, a profession that offered many benefits, job opportunities, and career advancements. After graduating, I chose to work at what was then Meharry/Hubbard Hospital. This hospital trained predominately Black medical, dental, nursing, and allied health professionals. It was located in an underserved area of Nashville. The hospital staff was also predominately Black. I trained and learned from the best! We took care of the vulnerable and under-served population. I felt a connection to the patients I was privileged to serve.
After working at Meharry/Hubbard for a few years, I was encouraged to spread my wings. I interviewed for a charge nurse position at physician owned Westside Hospital in Nashville. I earned the position and was one of a few Black nurses and staff. I worked and trained with one of the best known urologists in Nashville. From there, my career took off!
Eventually, I joined the Army Reserve and served for over twenty years. After working in various healthcare facilities and less conventional settings, I knew it was time for me to retire. I had not reached the full retirement age but had planned for retirement. I had a purpose while working; now I have a purpose in retirement. When you know, you know!
Three years before retiring, I lived as a retiree. I sold my large two- level home and moved to a smaller city closer to my adult children and grandchild. I lived in a lower cost apartment for three years. I saved the difference between rent and what I was paying for mortgage. I worked from home and saved additional expenses. I bought a book about retirement and mapped out my get-a-way!
I bought a home, retired, and moved to a small home in a quiet friendly retirement community. I was still close to my children and their families. Here, I have a maintenance- free lifestyle and joined an active “seasoned” activity center for a nominal yearly fee. The overall cost is less than what the cost of my previous home. I spend four or five days a week socializing, exercises, having lunch, or traveling with other seniors.
Even though I live alone, I don’t feel alone. When you live in a small friendly community with like-minded people, or become members of centers for seniors, you’re not along. My stress level is reduced, and I have peace of mind and found my purpose.
I will share my purpose in the next article. Stay tuned!
Francie Mae. August 9, 2025.