My 3rd Act - May 2026

May 2026 Issue
By Melinda Rooney


Experiencing the world differently in retirement—
slower, more intentional, and with
deeper appreciation.

 
As I stood at the bluff of the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach in France last summer, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history. The wind, the vast stretch of sand, the quiet—it all carried a gravity that books and photos have never quite captured. My husband and I had long dreamed of this trip, and with 2025 being the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we knew there was no better time to finally experience it.

Our journey began in London, where we spent time with friends before traveling on to Paris. We immersed ourselves in the energy of the city for a few days and then continued on a river cruise through the French countryside. Each stop brought something new: storybook villages, historic castles, bustling bistros, chocolate and cheese, unforgettable meals, and of course, incredible wine. Sharing the entire experience with dear friends, the perfect couple for adventure, made it all the more meaningful—it truly was a dream realized.

Yet what stays with me most is not just where we went, but how differently we experienced it.

Looking back on the vacations we took during our working years—what I think of now as our “Second Act”—I can’t help but wonder if we fully appreciated those moments. Our vacations were typically taken right here in the Lowcountry but were often shaped by limited time, tight schedules, and the need to fit as much in as possible. They were wonderful, yes—but also hurried.

Now, in our “Third Act,” retirement has given us something far more valuable than time off: It has given us time within the experience. We approached this trip with patience and intention. From the earliest stages of planning to each day’s excursions, we allowed ourselves to be fully present. The inevitable frustrations of international travel felt different—less like disruptions, and more like part of the adventure. Not even canceled flights and the unexpected positive COVID diagnosis upon our return could take away from the experience.

In preparation for our visit to Normandy especially, we made a conscious effort to deepen our understanding. We watched documentaries and read extensively about the war, the politics of the time, and the personal stories of those who fought, survived, and sacrificed. Walking those historic grounds was no longer just sightseeing—it became an act of remembrance and respect. We weren’t just observing history; we were trying, in our own small way, to honor it.

Retirement has opened something in us—an appetite not just to travel more, but to travel better. To slow down. To ask questions. To connect more deeply with the places we visit and the stories they hold. We may not have created an entirely new bucket list, but we’ve certainly refined it, prioritizing the experiences that matter most while we are still able to fully embrace them.

And yes, travel is not easy. It’s expensive. Airports feel longer, distances greater, and the physical demands more noticeable than they once did. At times, it can be exhausting. But even that feels like a small price to pay.

Because what we’ve gained is far greater: The ability to see the world with new eyes. To not just visit places, but to truly experience them—with gratitude, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation than ever before.

Melinda Rooney is a freelance writer whose roots stretch from the New York–Connecticut area to the Carolinas. A wife, mother, and grandmother, she raised her family in Charlotte, N.C., before settling into Lowcountry life with her husband Bob in 2023. An avid tennis player, she now enjoys writing about the people, places, and stories that inspire her.