Our son, Ty, and wife, Monika, have A special announcement! 📣 “He’s retiring from over 30 years as an educator!” (She’ll continue to teach.)
He and Monika are part of a team that planted a new church just about 30 minutes from their Placerville, CA home – in Pollack Pines.
They’ll always be “On the Move” serving our Lord. Ty will be leading elder, preaching most Sundays. No doubt they’ll be leading a weekly Bible Study. Monika will be right there supporting the ministry in every way. God bless them!
Pray they’ll take SOME time to relax and enjoy “Retirement.” Maybe a trip to Montana to see us??
What will you do (or are you doing) in retirement? I’m having a very relaxing Father’s Day weekend with my sweetheart. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there!!
Love, JanBeek
Hmmm… this post seems to be hiding the photos. What’s going on? When I click edit and look at it, the pictures are there, but when I save it and open it, there are no pictures visible. Have you ever had that experience?
When my dad retired, we threw a big party for him. I wrote a poem in tribute to him and read it at the gathering. He lived a difficult decade after that retirement with one health issue after another slowing him down. But, his hearty hugs and sweet nature were always alive and well… and remembered with love and gratitude.
Here’s that retirement poem. It tells you a lot about my hard-working, loveable dad.
A Tribute to Dad on His Retirement
Tonight we’ve come together To celebrate the start Of the Third Phase in my dad’s life. In the Second, most of you played a part.
The First Phase was in Newman Where Salvador came-a fraum-a. His childhood was filled with girls, Five sisters and his mawm-a.
“My Salvador can-a marry anybod; So all you girls look out-a!” He picked and chose an outta-state blond. “No Catholic? No Italian?” they shout-a.
They bought a house in Newman. Dad delivered milk and bread. But then he went to Frank’s garage And worked on cars instead.
My sister, “Saleen”, came along, And then before you knew it, “Gaetano” was expected next, But “Janet” came and blew it!
So, what-a you think? My Salvador Izza back where first he start-a… Heeza surrounded by girls-a, a wife and kids. Mama Mia! Life, sheeza hard-a!!
To make things worse, the war began. Mom worked at the Bomb Plant And Dad got into this Plant here. Now life took a new slant.
The Second Phase had just begun: Joe, Leo, Melio, and Gene Had pooled resources with Dad To sweep the valley clean.
The Tallow Works was something new. They chose the name Pacific. We moved out to a barren field And a smell that was less than terrific.
Our home said, “Office;” the phone rang From early morn ’til night. Business boomed while Dad drove truck. He treated the farmers right.
I used to go with Dad in summer To Stockton’s butcher shops. We had a blast together then. With me, Dad was always tops!
The plant-a, she grew-a; the family, too. We needed a change. You believed us. So we moved to Turlock, into a new home. And Merle came and relieved us.
Through all the years Dad drove the truck, The wheel and road were part of him. And then Pacific sold to Petersen. Don’t you think that was smart of him?
Now he could reap the Union checks, And get a feel for the other side. He left the headaches, but kept the friends And the route; so he’d have to ride.
But now the ride will go new routes. The Third Phase has begun. Dad’s ready for a well-earned rest, ‘Cuz his Second Phase was WELL DONE!
Do you think he can rest? Has he learned how? I’ve never seen Dad sit and shirk. I’ve never seen Dad happy doing not a thing. I’ve always seen Dad at his work.
Of course there were times when he had to slow down: God tapped on his shoulder and said, “Here’s a wrist break, intestines, something one wrong. Now rest for a while in your bed!”
The message came through that thick head of his, And he slept for a moment or few. But (praise be to God) he enjoyed Bocci Ball And had time for a play day or two.
So Phase Three will have to be free To play at some things old and new. Free to learn how to just come and sit And simply admire the view.
He’ll still need his friends (you folks sitting here), And he’ll still work and get behind the wheel, But he’ll have time to do and go where he wants, He and Mom … in their new automobile.
I hope that you here will join me now: Stand! Let’s toast to my Dad; he’s our friend: “May retirement bring health, laughter and joy, May you live to a-hundred and ten!”
God Bless You, Dad! Thanks for being YOU!
Rest in Peace Salvador DeAngeles May 14, 1911 – April 8, 1995
Happy Father’s Day! Have a Lovely Sunday… And I hope you remember your daddy with love and kindness and fond memories. If he is still with you, treasure his hugs… and give him an extra hug from me.
My career as an educator was more than a job. More than a “dream job.” It was a beautiful calling. It was a gift. I was a teacher. I loved my students, my teaching colleagues, the joy of making a positive difference in someone’s life.
Today I had the wonderful privilege of reconnecting with a student who was in my first and then second grade classrooms back around 1969-70. Today she is a teacher – and has been honored by being selected as the Turlock School District and Stanislaus County “Teacher of the Year.” Congratulations to Eva Marquez Lear!! Thank you for expressing your gratitude and recounting your love and reaching out to tell me I was one main reason you decided to become a teacher. It’s more than our “dream job” … it’s our calling, our gift … pass it on. God bless you!!
Today is Labor Day in the USA. It’s a day to thank our workers. Thank all who make life better By their diligence … never shirkers!
Regardless of the job they have, They perform with willing heart. I’m filled with gratitude for them. They carefully do their part.
During COVID we took special care To thank our healthcare workers all. We should continue to thank them And all the others whether large or small.
No job is less important than another. All are crucial for the bottom line. Teamwork, passion, determination Are ingredients that make the results shine.
But the worker who inspires me most Is the on the job person who strives To make the world a better place By interacting with others’ lives.
Yes, it can be done at home sometimes, But what about when you want to dine out? The chef and wait staff better be there, Or you’ll be high and dry… without!
So, today I want to shout out a thanks To all the workers who make life sweeter. Here is one… our Dolly Wolly in Switzerland. You should go to her place and meet her!!
This is what it looked like then they bought it. Now the restaurant has taken on a new look. And De’s husband, Andre’ is the chef who Puts out superb dishes – he’s quite the cook!
Here are De and Andre’ with some family Sitting down to enjoy a meal… You can tell by the empty plates and smiles How good it was; how it made them feel!
So, Happy Labor Day, all you workers Who strive to serve the public with care- Whether out in front and quite visible Or hidden in back rooms, with work to share!
We appreciate the way you aim to please With passion and with determination. What you do is important and beneficial Regardless of your chosen occupation.
Thank you!
Hugs from JanBeek (volunteering at the Food Bank)
Volunteer work counts, too! Stay-at-home Mom work counts double!!
Teacher – 24 years – loved every minute! 1961, Stockton, CA – 1st grade 1962, Germany, Wurzburg Army Base – 1st grade 1963-64, Turlock, Cunningham School – kindergarten 1964-67, Daly City, CA – K, 4th, 7th-8th 1968- 79, Hillsborough, CA – 7th/8th, K, 4th, K-6 summer school 1979-81, Hughson, CA – 1st grade & GATE classes 1982- 99, Ceres, CA – 4th grade, principal (K-8), then…
This is Lorei with me. She was my first grade student in 1961 when I first started teaching in Stockton before Bob & I were married.
Like so many of the students who came after her, my life is richer because she has stayed connected all these years.
Teaching is not just a job. It is a life choice, a passion, a joy!
Some of these dear kindergarteners are my Facebook friends today. Reach out Ortners, Leslie, Pamela Pon (where are you?), Sean, Kurt, Karen… You’re all in my heart!
… then, yes, after years in the classroom, I spent 9 years as a Principal – – – had wonderful colleagues —
The Ceres Unified School District was a delightful place to work. I have so many fond memories!
This was a great staff!!
I was invited to try my hand at working as a mentor to new principals and as the coordinator for various programs such as art, new teacher training, federal and state programs, etc. So, I went to the district office as a curriculum coordinator. It was too far away from the children! I returned to my first love: the classroom.
I had these little second graders I picture below here for two years (as 1st & 2nd graders)… it was a wonderful way to end a delightful career.
Recognition for a job well done came in many forms, but the best is knowing I made a difference in the lives of a few children and maybe helped some of my colleagues along the way, too.
I enjoyed my life as an educator immensely. I retired in 1999, but didn’t stop working. I supervised student teachers for a few years at Stanislaus State College before volunteering for a couple of years to teach illiterate adults how to read. Loved doing that! So rewarding!!
But the most important of my “jobs” in my lifetime was:
… wife, mom, homemaker, sister, friend … Never underestimate the impact & importance of those jobs! Take them seriously. Some people say that there – -on the home front- there lies the most important job of all!!
That photo is the whole Beekman clan at Bob’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. I love this photo … our daughter, DeAna, and her “Swisster” Sylviane, and our son, Ty, are on the right of this picture next to us. So, this had to have been around 1984…
And now, volunteering is part of my life … and those jobs I choose, like the Senior Center or the Food Bank, the Manor (our local nursing home) or church fellowship hour, those “jobs” are what continue to give me a sense of purpose.
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
I just have to pass this along today. It gave me more than a few LOLs😂 and chuckles. I needed that this morning. It’s more than a little zany!! Have a great week my friends.
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Our dear neighbor, Scott, came by today. He brought his shovel and gave us his all! All the energy he had stored up he poured out!
Our front porch was buried in snow. Our TazE’s exit from the kitchen door was blocked with over a foot of snow. The sidewalk approaching our house was covered with over 2 feet of snow that the wind had blown as a drift yesterday.
When Scott left, the porch and entry were cleared. The sidewalk is passable, so UPS and FedEx can deliver the package we are expecting today. And TazE was able to go out and do her business. Hooray!
The robins who were hovering under the patio chairs yesterday are dancing in the trees today. The sun is out – melting the snow that had clung to the branches.
Happy Holy Week, my friends. Scott gave us his all! He was exhausted when he finished. God bless him!
Jesus gave His all! How much energy – how many coins – are we willing to give?
I send my love to you, my friends. Have a Wonderful Wednesday! See ya tomorrow … Maundy Thursday… Hugs, JanBeek
Are you flexible? Enjoy the unexpected – Invite surprises!
The unexpected May feel like it’s hot water. How do you react?
Find the surprises That are positive in there. Look for the blessings.
What unexpected Things have you experienced During this past year?
This 100 year old silo in Malta, Montana is the source of our new wood floors. Paul (standing on the top of the silo) is repurposing the wood – one floor at a time.
He was scheduled to use some of the wood to replace our wood floors last year. Instead he fell, broke some ribs, and was having massive headaches. Couldn’t work!
The unexpected fall caused the doctors to take a good look at his head to try and determine why the headaches. The images showed a brain tumor!
If not for the fall, the tumor might not have been discovered – at least not so soon. After surgery successfully removed the tumor and the ribs healed, Paul was able to work again.
We had seen the wood being installed in the cabin of some friends nearby. Bob fell in love with the character of that 100 year old floor with the nail holes.
It was totally unexpected that we would one day be enjoying that beauty in our home, but it is done now – and Paul has totally recovered. Count your blessings – they come in many forms!
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
Psalm 20:4 ESV
Bob’s enjoying the unexpected sunshine on this day that started with snow. God bless the blessing of blue sky!
See how beautiful our floors look with the warmth of the milk chocolate walls? And it goes so well with the rug we brought up from downstairs!
Tell me about an unexpected blessing you have experienced recently. It doubles our blessings when we share them.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
What is the Lord telling you to do today?
So, waste it wisely!!
This is posted in honor of my sister-in-law, Bonnie. Today marks the 1st year anniversary of Stan, her husband’s death. Rest in peace, Stan! God bless you, Bonnie.
Sending love your way. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
I’ll get to it next. That”s just what I tell myself. But, when does next come?
I often delay Doing what needs to be done – With good excuses.
Is that familiar? And I’m not the only one. Bob knows that routine!
“Just put a towel out – It will soak up the water. I am going skiing.”
That’s two years ago. A sump pump is what’s needed. Will a snow fence work?
This is it last week – After putting up snow fence – Before last snow fall.
Please get me a towel To soak up the melting snow Before it warms up!
Procrastination Lives in my part of the world Inside – not just out!
No, not my office – But it certainly could be. Mine’s almost as bad!
Do you have places That you are sure to avoid? Rather do your blog?
You are not alone. It’s an immortal problem. Procrastination!!
The Bible addressed the issue:
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God… is with you.”
1 Chronicles 28:20
Pray for God to help You and me do what we must That we’re avoiding.
Get it off your chest. Step up – Act wholeheartedly – Just tackle the mess!
I promise I will – After finishing coffee. Hah! Ignore the mess…
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. Now, go get busy!! See ya tomorrow (God willing)
P.S. By the way, did you realize as you were reading this that every three line stanza is a kind of Haiku with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5? If you didn’t that’s OK. It means I didn’t force it. That was fun!
