My wonderful wife, best friend, and favorite dive buddy was retiring after 28 years of teaching in the Bronx, including twenty years as a special education teacher. At the end of each school year I always gave her a dozen roses and a congratulations balloon as she walked into the house. This year would be different and in the planning stages for eight months.

As Joan walked out of school for the final time last month the last thing she expected was me greeting her wearing full scuba gear (including a marine park tag) and waving the Bonairean flag. The balloon was tied to her mask and the roses were tucked in the foot pocket of her fins.

I like your style Alan.

Congrats Joan!

Joan Congrats!!! Alan what a great gift!!!

awe Alan, how special is that. You are a good man (and hubby), that is so sweet. I want to know what others thought though as they watched you...lol!

THAT is just too special!!! I love it!

Does this mean full time Bonaire???? Hoping so for both of you!!!! :–)

(Message edited by glenr on July 19, 2008)

(Message edited by glenr on July 19, 2008)

Awe - That is "Something Special"....... pun intended! Enjoy your freedom MS Zale. The world is your oyster!

Alan,
You ARE a wonderful husband, dive buddy & friend!!! How TOTALLY unique and special was that moment?!??!!! I know she had the BIGGEST grin on her face upon seeing you in all your Bonaire fanfare
Thanks for sharing your excitement with us.

Joan, a special thanks goes out to you for teaching our youth & in the Bronx no less!

Congratulations Joan. I am getting close to that milestone in life and I know you will enjoy having more time for your husband & best friend and of course your other family members.
Hope to some day meet you and Alan, maybe on Bonaire.

Andy

What a wild idea! Congrats & enjoy your retirement.
Bonaire certainly beats a gold watch.

Congratulations Joan!!!

Alan, I like your style

Alan, what a great idea you had. Very special.

Congratulations, Joan. Enjoy retirement.

I also should point out that Alan is a wealth of information and keeps an up to date list of what to do and where to go and find things on Bonaire. Also, does this mean Joan will have more time to bake her delicious goodies??

Awwww!!!

Congratulations!!

Wooo-Hooo!
Enjoy Joan...we're sure you will!

Yippee!! Joan you can now live your dream with Alan!! What a sweet and imaginative thing to do for Joan, Alan. I love it! A "frog man" in the Bronx....who'd a thunk it?! LOL.

Good health, happy trails and lots of love Joan! Ayo. Carole

WAY TO GO ALAN AND JOAN ! !

Alan, that was so sweet! Congratulations on your retirement Joan!

How cool - really - how cool!!

Congratulations Joan.

Wow! What a creative way to begin retirement! I love the photo!!! Here's to many years of fun and relaxation!

Way to go Alan. Great idea and execution.
Congrats Joan.
Skip

Congratulations/Felicidades Joan!!!
Alan what a neat idea and surprise.

Alan, your all class, has Joan told you to start working full time again yet?

OMG!!! I can't wait to show this thread to Guy. Alan & Joan we used your list for our trip last Sept - you were such a huge part of our planning for our first (& only so far) trip to Bonaire.
Guy is hoping to retire next year and his "Perfect Retirement Day" looks a lot like your final walk... he doesn't plan on telling anyone.... I will drive him to work in the morning and then pick him up the next morning (his last time leaving the station)... he'll shake hands with his crew and we will go directly to the airport....
I really like his plan
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
May you have many, many, many, many years of pure bliss