Goodbye Poem

I have started my last week at work... started packing up my office today. It is a sad but happy moment in my life as it has been almost 6 years at the nursing home, my first real job. I have had the honor to work with hundreds of patients, many of whom are in their last phase of life. I have learned more things than I can even articulate. It is a shame most in my generation ignore the "greatest generation" of WWII. I am leaving this chapter in my career to begin my dream job at the hospital where the girls were born. It will mean more prestige, more respect, more advancement, great benefits, but the drawback of not getting to really know my patients as most I will only know a couple of days instead of years.

One of my dear patients (who is published poet) wrote me a poem today, part of my beautiful good-bye card.

"Our years of friendship now number six,

You were already here when I moved in the nursing home.

I wasn't the happiest camper to be in this place.

You sensed this somehow early on in our relationship.

Through the years I came to you with my joys and disappointments.

You helped me dry my tears and understand my situations better.

I helped you with your problems and became your sounding board.

Our friendship grew deeper as the years seemed to fly by us.

And now you tell me you're leaving to take another job.

What in the world will I do without your wise counsel?

I am really exited about your new occupational endeavor.

We'll stay in touch and I know we will always be close in our hearts.

Rainbows and sunshine to you my friend.

Love always, C.W."