The Slice: Once upon a time, it was delivered twice a day

There are excellent financial reasons for putting off retirement as long as possible.

In addition, some of us enjoy our work. Most of the time. So there’s also that.

But there is something else – something people don’t usually talk about out in the open.

Some of us don’t want to retire because we fear we will turn into one of those people who wait around all day for the mail to arrive.

Now I’m hoping that does not sound mean. I certainly don’t intend it that way.

But let’s face it. If the arrival of the Avista bill and some pizza coupons is a highlight of your day, the question has to be asked: Are you leading a rich, full life?

Those who retire without a well thought-out plan for travel, volunteering or learning to speak Italian can easily turn into people who fill their days by checking umpteen times to see if the mail has been delivered.

To each his own. But for some, that is a scary prospect.

One day you’re going to meetings, sending urgent emails and making tough decisions at work. Then retirement happens and suddenly you are this feeble guy looking down the road to see if there is any sign of the mail carrier and your new issue of RV Bass Fisher.

So if you’ve ever wondered why some old fellow at your workplace is still hanging around, this might be the answer. Sure, it could be money and medical coverage. But maybe, just maybe, he is afraid of turning into someone who waits for the mail.

Slice answer: “I’m a nurse at the Spokane VA hospital, and a few years back while I was preparing a patient for a procedure he asked me if my job at the grocery store was ‘just a side gig,’” wrote Lisa Lasswell. “He was certain that I’d been his cashier at a store in Coeur d’Alene. We laughed and I said I’d have to make a run over there to meet my doppelganger.

“Later that same week, my husband was at a Spokane Chiefs hockey game and did a double-take when he saw ‘me’ there. Turns out it was that grocery store chain’s night out at the hockey game.”

Unlikely as it is, I can see a benefit to having a nurse ringing up your milk and tomatoes. You could present your eye infection or swollen finger while you were about to pay.

“Do you think I should see somebody about this?”

Today’s Slice question: To what breakfast cereal were you addicted as a kid?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Standing ovations used to be unusual.