Farewell

Yesterday was my last day working at the job to which I've dedicated eight years and ten months of my life. I've never been a job hopper by any means but this is the longest I've ever stayed in one place. Arriving at work in the morning was accompanied by a mixed bag of emotions. It's not easy to bid farewell to a place where you've spent most of your waking hours for so long and people to whom you've given so much of yourself. I wasn't leaving because I came to the point where I hated my job. I decided to leave because an opportunity to do something different virtually fell into my lap. It seems that while we may not be overtly conscious of a desire for change in employment, the idea of doing so may well be milling about in our subconcious. Apparently, so it was for me.

Once the decision has been made to leave a job, I am a very strong advocate of taking the proper steps when you hand in your resignation. Very simply, this means giving a full two weeks' notice and continuing to show up for work through that time. Not to do so is rude, unprofessional and extremely inconsiderate to your co-workers. Many's the time I and my peers have been left in the lurch by a co-worker who suddenly decides not to show up for work one day only to learn in the not too distant future she is working elsewhere. That kind of behavior pretty much translates into, "I'm outta here and to hell with the rest of you"! This is not the way to go. Aside from all the consideration for others aspect, you should never, ever burn your bridges. One never knows what the future will bring and it's always good to know that the option is open to return from whence you came if need be.

Every morning, a copy of the daily activities is left at each resident's place setting for breakfast. When I glanced at the lineup for Tuesday's doings, I knew I had achieved a modicum of local fame. I had become an activity; there in bold print nestled between "Trivia Time" and "Bingo" was "Farewell Party for Meredith 1:15pm In the Parlor". Well, truly, I had arrived! And what a wonderful sendoff it was. Just about every resident currently in house and all the staff working that day were packed into the parlor. This is a beautiful room used for social events furnished with lots of comfortable seating, a fireplace and a grand piano. We all shared a beautifully decorated carrot cake (my personal favorite...how did they know?)and sparkling apple juice flowed like a golden river. I was presented with many lovely gifts and such kind words of thanks and appreciation that I thought my heart would burst. Then the music started and many of us began to dance. Yes! Even if they're able to just stand and sway a bit, seniors love to dance. Lots of picture taking, lots of laughter and not a small amount of tears. As my party began to wind down, I went around the huge room to all the residents and staff members and had a special word or three for each one.

This chapter of my life has come to a close. A new one shall begin next week. Onward and upward...