Giant life change...

[Moutaineer]

We closed on the sale of our business last week.

My husband is actually retiring, once the handover is done.

I'm going back to my roots somewhat and returning to being "just" a designer, I'll be working from home, commission only. It will give me time to paint, and ride more, and have a life.

17 years is a long time and a lot of memories!

[LeoApp]

Well lucky you! Enjoy this next chapter in your lives. I am very jealous!

[Anne]

Wow, Mountineer, good for you guys!! Enjoy

[Flight]

Big change, but a good one. Enjoy!

[piedmontfields]

Wow---a big change, but a glorious one.

Be patient and kind with each other as you transition. It can take time to get into the next rhythm.

That said, I'm very excited for you, your art, design and horses!

[StraightForward]

Wow, congratulations!

[amygdala]

wishing you all the best in your new life!

[Kyra's Mom]

How nice. Enjoy

Susan (only slightly jealous )

[khall]

Enjoy your new life!

[Moutaineer]

I'm still suffering from shock, I think, and I'm so tired I could just curl up and die... We are training the buyers for the next few weeks--it's truly weird being ousted from your office of 17 years and setting up camp in the conference room.

Some of our employees have been with us from the start. We spent quite a bit of time and effort finding the right new "parents" for our little family, but it's still hard and uncertain for them and some of them are quite angry with us. My dear husband is finding it all rather emotional as he has mentored these guys like his sons, but he's been working far too hard and has been uncharacteristically sick all winter, and he's 77 this year, so it needed to happen.

Ugh. It'll be a lot easier once this handover period is over and we can truly move on.

[Hayburner]

Good for you both in your retirement. Once you get things settled and your totally out of the picture, I think you will wonder why you guys didn't do it sooner!

We also own a business and I've been pushing to sell and retire. I think my estranged husband is worried he won't have anything to do all day. Me, I'll find lots to do and I'll finally be able to not feel so tired, rushed and stressed.

Good luck in turning over the reins and settling in to a different lifestyle.