Saying "Goodbye"

Today (October 22, 2009) is my last day as a Minnesotan. Those of you who have been following along in our little story know that we're in transition. Joe has already moved to Missouri and I stayed behind for a little extra paycheck while I gave my official notice at the University of Minnesota. It is interesting as I think about my nine months here at this job and I must say that I feel utterly appreciated and cared for as an employee at my current workplace. And I have since the beginning. My bosses, two ophthalmology specialists, have regularly shown or spoken their appreciation. And not just to me directly. I hear from others that my bosses have said something kind about me or my work. This week has been a week of going away celebration in my office. On Monday my two doctors ordered pizza for the entire department. Wednesday my co-worker made enchiladas for everyone (partly a business endeavor, partly to celebrate me). Today my co-workers are taking me to my favorite local restaurant, Raising Cane's. This afternoon the department is hosting a going away dessert event, complete with chocolate covered strawberries and other desserts. I do not know if everyone here is shown the same level of appreciation. I personally don't know that I have done anything so remarkable that I deserve such celebration. I am glad, though, to have had such a welcoming, loving workplace during my time in Minnesota. This year of Joe traveling was tough and I know that my co-workers and bosses made it much easier to be in Minnesota on my own. It will be tough leaving such a loving environment behind and I hope that I can take their behavior toward me as an example of how I should treat others in my next work environment.