Every year at this time, I thoroughly enjoy watching the autumn leaves change colors and fall to the ground. Feeling the crisp air of fall is always invigorating and energizing. We, too, are in the autumn of our years, and it's refreshing to know that now is our opportunity to do what we want to do and to "give back."  

Most of us have worked many years to pay the bills, support our families, and do what we had to do to exist. Now we can pursue our passions, our purpose in life, which invariably entails "giving back."

Our primary purposes in interviewing retirees are to make the point that there is no "wrong" way to retire and to give readers ideas that may inspire them.  

This month, however, we found another element we hadn't given recognition to--namely, this next phase in our lives is also when we find ourselves giving back, i.e., volunteering for meals on wheels, visiting elderly shut-ins, spending time with Alzheimer patients, teaching literacy, volunteering for a non-profit, and so many more ideas that come out in each interview we do.

Happy October,      

Gail and Ed  

Dave Silva, fellow IBMer, graduate of Montclair University, entrepreneur, novelist, and one of the funniest people I've ever known, sat with us this week to talk about his perception of retirement is, even though at 77 he is not retired!

Dave married at a very young age and was the proud father of five well before his 30th birthday. Money was understandably tight, and there were many times when this ambitious young man held back-to-back jobs simultaneously just so he could pay the bills, all while attending college full time. He dug ditches, he was a security guard, he worked at a men's clothing store and worked wherever he could find employment that coincided with his class schedules.

Following college and throughout his business career, he started a number of businesses which included six restaurants and bars, a word processing business and even an auto dealership. Through it all, he kept his rapier wit and was beloved by his friends and co-workers.

Creative and unpredictable Dave has always had big dreams and the confidence to carry them to fruition. One day, Dave was late for work at IBM, and I learned the following day that he had taken time off to try out as a placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys and later the Giants. That's Dave!

Dave published his first novel, Glow Worm, a couple of years ago. The stories reminded me of Aesop Fables. Each chapter is good enough to stand on its own, like a series of educational short stories for adults or older children. What comes through all of the stories is the author's love of animals, his love of peace, justice, equality, and fairness; and that is who Dave is. Dave Silva's humor, warmth, and sensitivity are evident in every story! The stories reveal the author!

Currently Dave and his beautiful wife, Sharon, own a copier dealership that he is expanding to include telemarketing services, but his primary interest is in a totally new field--the funeral business. His original burial concept is called Forestary and can be found on the internet. Forestary offers a unique service to people who select cremation. By letting Forestary take the remains and place them in the ground within the root of a tree, the remains will be absorbed into the living tree and will be renewed as a living object as long as the tree is alive. Forstary will maintain each tree in perpetuity. If it should die or be damaged, the tree would be cremated, and the ashes placed under a new tree. It would be interesting, but not surprising, if we were to see Dave on national television some day soon discussing his latest brainchild.

Dave reiterated what other retirees have said--he gets depressed if not busy. He was blessed with a creative mind and lots of energy which have resulted in multiple projects; namely, a third novel, the copier company, Forestary, teaching a sales course at a local college, giving talks of Chemical Highs vs. Natural Highs to high school students, writing his autobiography, working on a synthetic log for forests to prevent forest fires, and so much more.  

His advice to someone about to retire: Look for things to do that you loved while you were working but couldn't do. Research what you fantasized about and follow your passion if you can afford to.

What is most enjoyable to Dave are his pending projects--because of their potential. For him, it is the unknown plus the fantasy of achieving it that excites him. He feels a strong need to give back because he has been so fortunate in life. He has had his share of "ups" and "downs," but the excitement of the hunt keeps him going. For that he stays in shape, playing softball, skiing, walking daily, and being the family cook.

Dave Silva is the catalyst for an annual, strictly local, reunion of former IBM colleagues when he comes to N.J. from Boise, Idaho, every summer. We all enjoy rehashing the stories of the familiar incidents from the old days.

Dave is truly a kind, sensitive, and compassionate man who has impacted the lives of those who know him. His trademark quick wit and outstanding memory are assets he puts to good use. Dave Silva is a good friend to have!

Gail Cassidy, gail@coachability.com; (908) 654-5216
http://www.Retired-NextPhase.com

Ed Topar, edtopar@gmail.com