Yesterday was my last day of work. When I woke up and got dressed for work, I thought to myself "oh, this is easy, I'm not going to cry." When I drove into the parking lot, a swarm of butterflies entered my stomach like never before. I walked into work, clocked in, put my cokes into the fridge, and as always, went by my best friend's office to say hello. When I walked in, there she sat, with tears in her eyes. She handed me a card, that I started to open, but then I started to cry too. I took the card, unopened, and put it into my tote, and told her "not now... maybe later." We hugged and I went to my station. As I arrived at my station, people started to hug me, and I cried. I went for coffee, pulled myself together, and called my son to bring my "dope" to me. Once my dope arrived, I knew it would be okay. :o) Around noon, I was paged to the private dining room where all my friends and coworkers were waiting. They had all brought a covered dish (it was like a homecoming dinner at church!) and they showered me with gifts. My friend and I both cried during the whole thing, but we made it through. The day got better after the luncheon. I was able to say goodbye to most without crying, until the end of the day, as I was telling my patients and their families goodbye. A few of them cried... and I cried. Whew, what a day! I can honestly say that yesterday's party was probably the best party I've ever had in my life... I felt loved... and that's all any of us can ask for... is to be loved!
On, to new beginnings.... I talked to a friend on Wednesday night who still works at the job I will be returning to after 11 years. She made me excited about returning to my old job and I am truly looking forward to relearning the things I used to do there. My heart is a little heavy this morning, but the sun is shining, the birds are singing... and I'm looking forward to moving on.
Have a wonderful day!