New book will be of great interest to many in District
The experiences, reflections and wisdom in a recently launched book by an American Brother are certain to be of interest to many Lasallians in the District.
Ed Phelan, who has lived and worked in the Bronx, New York, for over 60 years as teacher, principal, college administrator, and executive director of a community agency, has released the book entitled ‘The Third Half: Retirement is not an end but a beginning’.
My Third Half is a special gift to those considering the significance of retirement. A personal reflection after a busy life that inspires imitation, it energises the search for wisdom in lives well lived and encourages the ongoing search for meaning in the years to come.
Scrapping the notion that our lives have only two halves – first is school, employment and relationships, while second is promotion, family, leadership and retirement – Ed Phelan sees the retirement years as the third half.
It’s time to engage in meaningful service, reflection, correction and wisdom. These years can be deeply spiritual, with time and attention given to the Presence of the Creator all around us, as well as the Presence within our deepest selves. Realising the importance of relationships – in community, among his religious Brothers, and within the larger Lasallian Family – help Ed understand the story of his life as he hopes to inspire others.
A member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers since high school, Ed retired on January 1, 2008, and has since used his lifelong energy by helping his neighbours, friends and family, by taking the time to reflect on the deeper meaning of life.
He lives with other members of the Lasallian Family in the Bedford Park Community on Marion Avenue in the Bronx.
Joseph Gilson, Director of Mission, and Brother Visitor Ben Hanlon with a copy of Ed Phelan’s book