Write a commentThe Spanish word for retirement is “Jubilacion” - how apt is that?!
Retirement is a time to rejoice!
It's when we can rejoice in the knowledge that we have given generously of our time and effort for many years in our many roles and paid our debt to society. Now it’s time for us! I'm not talking about a total selfishness but to look at retirement as a time to listen to our own needs, to begin to make our own dreams come true, dreams that may have been on the back burner for years.
We rejoice when our members achieve their dreams. We share in each other's joy. Like when this week the Kaleidoscope’s Acting Up group won £48,000 in the People's Millions Lottery there was great jubilation and celebration for those members of U3A who are also part of Kaleidoscope.
Often the celebration and rejoicing is on a smaller but non-the-less significant scale. Recently when the Party Piece group got a standing ovation in the Ulster Hall there was such a sense of relief and achievement among the group. They celebrated by singing songs on the bus all the way back to Newry!
When the walking group arrive back after a walk and a coffee break there is a feeling of being energised and rejoicing that their level of fitness seems to be improving.
I was talking to a member the other day who was smiling broadly on his way out of a computer class. He said he had sent his first email. Not a world shattering event, but for him a reason to rejoice in his achievement.
Each tutor within the U3A has his or her own stories of a member’s delight in the progress made during just one term. For many of the members the enjoyment and rejoicing is in the learning process as much as in the product.
The Irish Language Class
The Irish class enjoy both the process of learning Irish and the product gained - for example with the awarding of the gold and silver fainne.
They enjoy the process of learning Irish because of Roisin, Mary and Jim’s passion for the language and the innovative, fun, simple way they teach their subject.
Congratulations to Roisin’s Ardrang Class on the success of seven members who have recently been awarded the Gold Fainne and to three members who have been awarded the silver fainne.
According to Seamus Mac Dhaibheid who carried out the tests this is a great achievement for any group.
Members of the U3A Meanrang are also preparing to sit the Silver Fainne test, inspired by the success of the Ard Rang and by Seamus and Maire Graham from their own class who have been awarded the Silver Fainne.
Roisin says she is deeply grateful to Seamus Mac Dhabheid for all the help and encouragement given over the years.
