A year ago, my father retired from the job he had worked at for over 40 years. Having experienced office life myself, I realized that keeping a job for that long is a monumental achievement.
To mark the occasion of my dad's retirement, our family threw him a party. We put up a banner and prepared an appreciation plaque to show how the family felt. My dad was moved to tears by the family's heartfelt appreciation. Everyone who helped prepare the party choked up, myself included.
I have the utmost respect for all the years my dad spent weathering storms at work. Now, I hope he will look after his health as he embarks on act two his life, not for his family but for himself.
plaque - a flat of metall, stone, wood, or plastic with writing on it that is attached to a wall, door, or other object
choke up - to become unable to speak or almost begin to cry because of sadness or strong emotion
weather the storm - to be able to continue doing something despite serious problems
embark - to put goods or passengers onto a ship, aircraft, or train
firsthand - gained by doing something yourself / experience it yourself
think the world of sb/sth - to have a very high opinion of someone or something
- We held a ceremony to mark the occasion. / I took her to fancy restaurant to mark the occasion.
- I was moved to tears by his speech. / Many viewers were moved to tears by that scene.
- You have to look after your health, no matter how busy you are. / My wife takes a lot of vitamins to look after her health.
1: My dad went into retirement recently.
2: Oh, I see. How long had he been at his job?
1: Over 40 years.
2: Wow! That's really something.
1: It is. Having experienced work firsthand, I really think the world of him.
2: Sure. My dad reached retirement age last year, too.