Dad's retirement Party
By carpenter5
@carpenter5 (6782)
United States
October 6, 2007 5:40pm CST
My step-dad's retirement party was this afternoon.
He spent 20 years teaching school, and then worked another 18 as a librarian at the County library.
I was so disappointed that very few of his long time friends actually showed up for this party. There were some that had called several times asking when we were going to have it. It had to be delayed a couple of weeks after his actual retirement because of scheduling conflicts.
Then today, he just had a handful. Some that didn't show up were the couple that had pitched a fit when I wanted to have it in the evening to begin with because they can't drive after dark. I moved it to the afternoon, and they still didn't show up.
Do you think I have a right to be angry. These people hurt my step-dad. You could see the disappointment on his face as each minute ticked off without people coming in.
4 people like this
3 responses
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
6 Oct 07
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's disappointment. It must have been hard to look around and be expected to see people that never showed. But, it can also be hard to make it to things like this. Things can come up at the last minute and although the party is about, a party is still a party, so priorities have to be considered. I hope that your dad had a great time anyway.
2 people like this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Oct 07
He did have a good time. I was very angry when I wrote this post on Saturday. I have been able to take a step back in the last few days, and even though I am still a bit hurt that he didn't have more people there, it isn't a burning anger anymore. Thanks for your post.
@monicazhang (802)
• China
7 Oct 07
Hi carpenter5!I can imagine how disappointed your step-father was at that moment.And I also can see you are quite close to him.Try to comfort him as much as you can.Dont be angry to your step-father's friends,its useless.Besides,maybe they are too old or have something urgent to do.
1 person likes this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Oct 07
You are right...it is useless. It was just hard to watch the disappointment. I've had some time to sit back and reflect on the day.
I have also talked to my mother a bit about it. She said his biggest disappointment was that his brother and sister in law didn't bother to come. That was their choice. Her family was having a family reunion at lunch. We thought they would come to Dad's thing after it was over at 2:00 since ours didn't end until 5, but decided instead to go out shopping and then to dinner with her sister and husband.
@AmbiePam (85734)
• United States
7 Oct 07
Oh man, I feel bad! I want to send him a card, but he'd think I was nuts because he has no clue who I am. Yes, you have a right to be upset. I wouldn't see anything wrong with actaully asked the couple who pitched a fit, where they were. It's question that can be asked very casually, but maybe it will prompt them to apologize to your step-dad. And I guess that is better than nothing. : (
1 person likes this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Oct 07
My mother was going to call yesterday and just casually ask if they were sick. We know they weren't because they were seen eating out Saturday night. This isn't the first time that we've tried to work things around them, as they are old friends of my parents, only to have them not show up. I will probably just schedule when it's convienent for me next time, and they can stay at home...since that's obviously what they are going to do On the bright side, there is lots of cake left. How about I send you a piece? lolanyway.
1 person likes this
