[photos were originally published separately and appear below the text]
1 April 2003
Mi Jubilación:
A nurse retires
Vicky, my partner and companion for our bed and breakfast and jeep tours, is a nurse and works at the Social Security Hospital in Las Varas. She works three nights a week in the emergency ward. There is she and one doctor on duty in that ward. I have met all of the nurses and doctors in the hospital, even the day shift, and have had many of them in my home. A really great bunch of people.
Last Saturday Vicky asked me if I wanted to go to a party. “Yes of course”, I replied. I am not one to pass on any excuse to drink, I mean attend a party. Vicky told me that Raquel, who had been to my place several times, was retiring after 27 years. So off we go. We take a bottle of tequila as a present to Raquel and to make sure that she doesn`t miss the hospital too much.
We arrive slightly late (normal and acceptable in Mexico). Raquel is in the uniform of the day, white regulation cap, blouse, pants, shoes and green sweater with the SS logo. (Social security issues these uniforms, including shoes and stockings). There is a big band present and (I think) every employee that works at the hospital. Raquel goes to the time clock and punches out. Loud music, cheers and applause. (only some of the crowd could make it inside). Everyone moves outside and the band plays on. One after the other the doctors dance with Raquel in the middle of the hospital parking area. Everyone gets their photo taken with Raquel under the banner that tells of her retirement. ( See photos). After much music, shouting and congratulations the entire procession, (about a half a block long), moves out onto the street and marches several blocks, crossing the main highway, to a large party place. Tables, a barbeque, beer coolers, band stand and a large table for Raquel and the hospital staff are set up.
Raquel has to serve everyone (she has help of course). Steaming plates of tacos, rice, beans and tortillas are served. As is beer and soft drinks. The band plays, there is dancing. Then, one doctor goes to the middle of the dance floor and holds up his hands for all to stop. Out come several nurses with long sheets sewn together. He tells us it is time for Raquel to discard her nurses uniform and become a civilian. The nurses herd her to the center and the sheets are held around her. The clothes and shoes start flying out. Nurses cap. Uniform blouse, bottom, stockings, white shoes . bra, panties, etc.. Many crowd around and push and shove to catch these things so they will have memories of Raquel. Vicky catches her cap. (actually, Raquel aimed at Vicky because Vicky doesn`t like to wear a cap when on duty) All this while the band is playing as loud as they can. Everyone is shouting. Much clapping of hands. Someone throws a dress over the top to Raquel. Soon Raquel emerges, not as Nurse Raquel, but as Ms. Raquel.
Then party time to all hours.
Vicky, Raquel and the author
Vicky Flores, who works as a nurse at IMSS, my business partner in our bed and breakfast, and back roads traveling companion, Raquel, retiring after 27 years as a nurse in the social security hospital, and Bob Howell. We present her with a bottle of Tequila to help keep her from missing her job.
Raquel with other nurses
She poses with some of her many friends at the hospital
A large band plays
After she punches out on the time clock for the last time, a large band is outside and starts playing.
Raquel is officially retired
Standing before the table, which contain many retirement gifts, she officially accepts her retirement.
A doctor dances with Raquel
All of the doctors dance with Raquel. She more than keeps up with them
Raquel must serve all of her guests
Tradition requires that she personally serve each of her many guests. (to start)
A personal touch
Among the many things served were pork tacos. Delicious.
Great Mexican dishes
She makes sure the chefs serve out good chow.
Off with the uniform
Several nurses hold up a sheet around Raquel while she changes from her uniform to civilian clothes. She throws each article into the crowd. The lucky ones who catch a piece of clothing will always have something to remember her by.
Nurse Raquel emerges as civilian Raquel
After tossing all of her uniform, including shoes, someone throws in a dress and the new Raquel emerges.
Miss Raquel dances
Now she can enjoy the party, which goes on until all hours.
What now?
Raquel has worked hard all of her life, has a nice home and is single. What will she do now? In the Mexican social security system, retirement is required after 27 years. She has children and grandchildren in another state.
