Saying goodbye

In today's work-a-day world, some places of employ must face the prospect of high turnovers of employees, for various reasons, but every now and then, employers find a true treasure when those who work with them are truly committed to being part of the team.  If and when this treasure is found, it's that much more difficult when one or other of the team must leave, but being purposeful about even these transition moments is what makes the experience worthwhile.

After six months of preparation, one of our team finally ended her tenure with us yesterday.  We thought long and hard about how to recognize all her accomplishments over the past five years, and finally we decided to do away with the customary pizza party, for which she herself was so well known (this, until now, has been the menu of choice to celebrate birthdays and major anniversaries among the staff), and even to do away with offering her the choice of the menu that would be served.  We wanted this to be a day of celebration for her and about her.

Instead, one of our committed parishioners who has had the opportunity to work closely with us and who continues to share her talents volunteered to host the gathering at her house.  Keeping the location of this celebration a secret was somewhat of a task, but we succeeded so much so that when the time to head out to the festivities arrived, the guest of honor had no idea where we were going.  Aside from a few moments at the very beginning of the afternoon when people were trying to figure out how the flow of events would unfold, this turned out to be a wonderfully relaxed afternoon.

Staff who have worked so closely for the past number of years had finally found a moment to relax with each other, to joke together, to tease one another, to enjoy a good meal and most of all to enjoy one another's company.  Before we knew it, time was ticking away, and even though some had to leave and return to work obligations, most were able to spend this time together.  Goodbyes can sometimes be very difficult, especially as we think back on the relationships that have been forged, and that must now change at least in some respects, but celebrations which mark the milestones while leaving the road ahead open wide are truly moments to be cherished.

And so to our dear friend, this is not goodbye, but until we meet again.  Keep watch at the door lest we come a-knocking, and know that if and when you should ever need a place of refuge, it will be waiting.