After 18 years, 8 months, and 24 days, Friday the 13th was my last day at IHG. I have to say, it was a most emotional week leading up to it, though. During those few days, I was busy transitioning my projects, taking care of temporary insurance and prescriptions, and finishing up lab work for SelectHealth. I was also going through old files and packing up my desk. I didn't really have time to breathe, and when I did, it was pretty stressful.
But in the midst of all that, I felt excited, and confident, and lighter than I had in a long time. I also received many notes and emails of best wishes from colleagues all over the world (all of which I forwarded to my personal email, so that I can print them up and save them), and many friends came by my desk to bless me with hugs and positive feedback. I laughed a little, and I cried a lot.
The final day was more of the same. I decided to pick up some donuts as a final gift to everyone (I didn't have time to make my famous chocolate chip cookies). It was Valentine delivery day, so there was a lot of commotion. The team gave me valentines and an amazing farewell luncheon at Tsunami in Sugarhouse (my favorite sushi joint). They also gave me some fabulous parting gifts.
After a few more hugs, I turned in my badge, and walked out the door, and cried all the way home.
I know of course that I'm doing the right thing. The tears were more about memories of adventures with some great people, and gratitude for those. I'll miss everyone more than I can say. But now it's onward and upward, and on to new adventures at SelectHealth.
But in the midst of all that, I felt excited, and confident, and lighter than I had in a long time. I also received many notes and emails of best wishes from colleagues all over the world (all of which I forwarded to my personal email, so that I can print them up and save them), and many friends came by my desk to bless me with hugs and positive feedback. I laughed a little, and I cried a lot.
The final day was more of the same. I decided to pick up some donuts as a final gift to everyone (I didn't have time to make my famous chocolate chip cookies). It was Valentine delivery day, so there was a lot of commotion. The team gave me valentines and an amazing farewell luncheon at Tsunami in Sugarhouse (my favorite sushi joint). They also gave me some fabulous parting gifts.
After a few more hugs, I turned in my badge, and walked out the door, and cried all the way home.
I know of course that I'm doing the right thing. The tears were more about memories of adventures with some great people, and gratitude for those. I'll miss everyone more than I can say. But now it's onward and upward, and on to new adventures at SelectHealth.
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