He's been working for most of his life.
During his teen years, he worked picking tobacco
and doing manual labor installing pools.
When I met him in 1981,
we were both in a computer programming training class
at The Travelers.
My professional career ended in late 1994 before the birth
of my 3rd baby, but Vance has been working through it all,
supporting our family financially.
He worked his way up the ladder at The Travelers,
and was even featured on an affirmative action brochure
back in the 1980's.
He has worked at various other insurance companies since then.
But not anymore.
TODAY IS HIS LAST DAY OF WORK - EVER.
However, this post is not about Vance's jobs.
I don't want to focus on that because I know
he wouldn't like to be defined by his work.
Business trips, meetings, emails,
voice mails, client dinners, getting stuck in traffic...
these took up a lot of his time.
But no matter what,
he ALWAYS made time for his family!
For me, one of his most attractive qualities has
always been his love of children. He has a soft spot
for kids, and I knew he would be an amazing dad.
He has been a dad who could get down on their level.
He wasn't afraid to look silly.
He went with them on the scary rides.
He ran beside little bikers.
He was by their side all the time.
He was at the bus stop on the first day of school.
and he was there on last days of school too!
He was a scout as a kid, and became a
scout leader for Adam.
He has been a lap to sit on.
and one to sit beside.
Vance loves to fish,
and he taught our kids how from a very young age.
He spent many hours fishing with
other kids too.
I'm sure he'll spend lots more time by the water after today!
Vance LOVES ice cream, especially soft serve.
Vance also loves baseball!
He made it into the Hall of Fame for his Senior League Connecticut State Champion baseball team.
In later years, he has been a softball coach and spectator!
He always wants a picture with any of his kids...
Last, but not least, he takes care of me!
However, this post is not about Vance's jobs.
I don't want to focus on that because I know
he wouldn't like to be defined by his work.
Business trips, meetings, emails,
voice mails, client dinners, getting stuck in traffic...
these took up a lot of his time.
But no matter what,
he ALWAYS made time for his family!
For me, one of his most attractive qualities has
always been his love of children. He has a soft spot
for kids, and I knew he would be an amazing dad.
He has been a dad who could get down on their level.
He wasn't afraid to look silly.
He went with them on the scary rides.
He ran beside little bikers.
He was by their side all the time.
He was at the bus stop on the first day of school.
and he was there on last days of school too!
scout leader for Adam.
He has been a lap to sit on.
and one to sit beside.
Vance loves to fish,
and he taught our kids how from a very young age.
He spent many hours fishing with
other kids too.
I'm sure he'll spend lots more time by the water after today!
Vance LOVES ice cream, especially soft serve.
Vance also loves baseball!
He made it into the Hall of Fame for his Senior League Connecticut State Champion baseball team.
In later years, he has been a softball coach and spectator!
In fact, he is a world-class spectator.
With three kids who did softball, track, and cross-country,
he very rarely missed a game or a meet.
He even cheered at parades for my Girl Scout troops.
He always wants a picture with any of his kids...
but he is very popular with their friends too.
His love and care extend beyond humans too.
Last, but not least, he takes care of me!
Today is Vance's last day of work.
But it's not his last day of being a husband and father.
I'm sure the best thing about retiring is that now,
he will have even more time to do the things he loves!
Work will not get in the way!
The other day, Vance asked me a question:
"What do you call a person who is happy on Monday?"
I knew the answer.
"RETIRED!"
Congratulations, Vance!
You really are the BEST!
Thank you for all you have done for me
and our family.
I'm looking forward to all of our time together!
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