Here is another in an occasional series of blog posts commenting on impending retirement.

The closer I get to retirement, the more I hope that status is as agreeable to me as it is with others I encounter almost daily.

The other day, someone from my professional past crossed my path at the part-time job where I work.

She took my breath away … but not in the way you might be thinking right about now.

Rebecca King served as 47th district attorney for Potter and Armstrong counties until 2004. Then she retired. I hadn’t seen her in the decade since she left public office — and all but disappeared from public view.

She came into the auto dealership where I worked to get her vehicle serviced. I saw her, caught my breath, extended my hand and we exchanged pleasantries.

There’s really only one way to say this: Retirement has been very kind to Mme. Prosecutor.

Her hair is now as white as snow. She looked happy, fit and so very relaxed. It was great catching up with her.

What’s she doing these days? She says he’s a full-time rancher. “Do you still practice law?” I asked. She laughed. “Oh no. When you’re a career criminal prosecutor, there’s nothing else I can do,” she said.

Folks like Rebecca King set the bar high for those who are coming along right behind them.

Here’s hoping I can hold up as well as she has.