Friday, July 12, 2013

Mission Accomplished...Almost


It's been an incredible ride. Mission accomplished. With that, I have to bid farewell. I'm the happiest person in the world right now. It's better than I ever thought it would be.
 Jerome Bettis


I leave the house this morning for my last subway ride to work.  My goodness, how strange Monday will feel.  Last night I found myself thinking about this weekend, and all the things I have to do, but then I remembered that I don't have to rush to do them all in two days.  Now, I have a lifetime to accomplish them. I also know that, as a workaholic, it may be hard for me to realize that and slow down, but eventually, I know I will settle in to a new way of living.

I can honestly say that, for all its ups and downs, this has really has been an incredible ride. At this point I don't know whether I want to laugh or cry.  I guess it is safe to do a little bit of both.  Gosh, I remember back when I made the decision to stop working for the rich and instead do whatever I could to help the poor.  And what better way, I thought, than to try to stop poverty in its tracks by helping others overcome those addictions that had taken away everything in life that ever meant something to them.  If I could only help one person, I thought.  It will be well worth it, and has hard as it may have been, it WAS all worth it.  

Before I close out to get ready for work, I wanted to share the following little story with you.  Yesterday, was art group for the clients, and they were all busy in there making farewell cards for me.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but I knew. (Nosey me knows everything).  Well, even if it was a surprise, there was one client who made sure it wasn't so.  He came out of group bustling with excitement and headed right towards where I was sitting.  "I made you a card", he said.  "Oh, maybe I shouldn't have told you." (This client is not only battling substance abuse and  mental illness, but also has some degree of retardation) "Please don't throw it away," he added.  I replied, "Of course now.  I shall treasure it and hold onto it for the rest of my life." 

Later, as he was signing out at the front desk, I heard him proudly exclaim to the receptionist, "I made Mary a card today, and she said she will keep it for the rest of her life." Tears welled in my eyes when I heard this, realizing that my words had brought him such great pride and joy, and I thought to myself, "Mission accomplished."

Have a great weekend!!! 


13 comments:

  1. Great story, Mary. You have helped a lot of people and should be proud of your accomplishments. Happy Last Day of Work, and Welcome to the First Day of the Rest of Your Life. What a thrill!!!! Hugs from Robin.

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  2. YOU DID WELL, GIRL!!!!!!!! :-)

    But I'm happy, that this part, is (nearly) over.

    Hugssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...

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  3. I wish all of your Dear Readers could be there, outside your work building, waiting till you come out, for the last time, late this afternoon.

    I wish we could all be there, with balloons, and cheering, and wishing you well.

    I'm sure I'm not the only one of your Dear Readers, who would love to do this.

    So when you walk out that door, for the last time, later today... Please make believe that we all, ARE there! Cheering for you. Hugging you. Wishing you well, on the next chapter of your path.

    Hugsssssssssssssssssssss,
    "Auntie"

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  4. Today's the Big Day! CONGRATULATIONS! Enjoy the farewell cards and party at work. I may have mentioned this, oh, a few dozen times already, but I am green, simply green, with envy, Retirement Girl!

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  5. You've made it and what a beautiful way to go out when it all could have been done in such an unhappy manner. Now life get's really exciting and I can't wait to share your journey with you.

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  6. Mary.....I'm so excited and happy for you! I had to stop by to leave you some {{hugs}}. Blessings on your journey forward. xoxo
    Sandra

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  7. What a wonderful feeling for you Mary. And thank you for sharing that beautiful story. It brings happy tears to my eyes. You defininitely accomplished your mission. Have a sweet day and weekend!

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  8. Oh dear Mary.....just remember....TOMORROW...."is the first day of the rest of your life".

    xoxo

    Jo

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  9. What an awesome way to celebrate
    your last day of work. Mary you
    will find the days just whiz by
    when you are not working anymore.

    I cannot believe time whizzing by
    each and every day I intend to get
    here to catch up but there is always
    a Dr. appt. or something else that
    pulls me in another direction.

    Yesterday I went to lunch with my
    daughter and her friend and had a
    blast. I wish we all lived closer
    so we could all have lunch together
    somewhere special.

    sending you love and hugs
    Sharon
    xoxoxo

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  10. Enjoy your new life Mary I wish you lots of happiness.

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  11. YOU MADE IT!!! Its good to both laugh and cry just a little, after all, mixed emotions are to be had on such a monumental day like today. Well done Mary! May your next phase of your journey be fantastic!

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  12. Blessings Mary on your new life :) my hubby retires end of the month a he has gone thru a whole host of emotions, so can fully understand how you must be feeling, but it simply just another new chapter to fill with whatever makes you happy and makes your heart sing............ take time to smell the roses and ENJOY!!

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