Bill is Retiring (or... refocusing?) !: Retiring?

Hello friends and family of Bill Blackley:

After nearly 35 years practicing medicine, Bill has decided to hang up his stethoscope and throw himself into "retirement" -- though some folks think Bill will never retire -- he is certain to remain active in many communities in North Carolina and beyond.

This blog is for old friends and new, co-workers, patients, musicians, artists, Boy Scouts, environmental activists, Tarheel basketball fans, family, and all who would like to share a word of congratulations, thanks, a silly Bill story, or a celebration for his years of contribution to his patients, and his community.

Please join us in raising a virtual toast to Bill!

Shhhhhh.... this is a secret! We'll unveil the blog with your messages to him in mid-June, but posts are welcome indefinitely.

To share a message, funny Bill memory, toast or other thoughts, email your post to me (Molly) at blackley@uw.edu, and I will post for you (please include your name, and how you know Bill).

Thanks for joining in the fun! With love and thanks,
Sandie... Molly, Ben, and Will Jackson...Seth, Brae and Davis Blackley

Friday, June 4, 2010

Retiring?

I for one must object strongly. Not to the act – I love what you’re doing - but like everyone else thinking of Bill, it’s the word “retirement”. I looked it up. The root etymologically is the same as “retreat”. It just doesn’t apply. More appropriate to say; fully and successfully completed desired task, or helped untold numbers with their health and well being. Or found the Holy Grail and installed it on the mantel. But retired?

Or maybe better to use the word “refocused”. There are not enough hours in the day, days in the week, months in the year to contain the interests of this amazing man. Time now to focus on other areas; family, garden, poetry, music, friendships, activism, and how many careers that haven’t even spoken up yet.

Congratulations my friend, well done.

Larry Sorkin