Retirement is a week filled with Saturdays and Sundays interrupted only occasionally by a holiday.

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Monday, March 3, 2008

Good Things Come to an End

I realize it's been nearly a week since I last posted and, once again, I apologize for my absence. Last week was a tough week and I am still trying to recover from the emotional turmoil which resulted from two very different experiences. While one is something I can and want to share, the other is still too painful to relate...maybe soon.


On Thursday, I helped teach the very last training session for the Library's antiquated computer system. That marks the end of a 19-year run of classes I helped develop in 1989 when I was asked to serve on a little 6-week committee to write the policies for the new computer system. That little committee was then asked to extend its life to train the staff at the first 5 pilot libraries. Then, my very dear friend and co-committee member Harriett and I were asked to stay on to train all 1500+ full and part-time staff. Those were exciting and thrilling days and I look back upon those classes with the fondest of memories. Sadly, my time at Headquarters came to an end when a budget crunch required me to return to my community library as a reference librarian after a few years.

Then 2 1/2 years ago, I was asked to come back from retirement to help train when the Training Unit was down to just one lone trainer. I gladly accepted and, once again, the excitement was back. Two new trainers were hired while I was there and now the Library is moving forward with the installation of a new computer system in June. Plans are underway to train the entire staff on a new computer system once again and the two new trainers, along with library staff from the field, will have the fun of teaching it all.

So Thursday's last day was a bittersweet experience for me. I'm happy that the Library is finally getting the much needed new technology but, at the same time, I am sad to see our legacy disappear. Most sadly, Harriett is not here to watch our "baby" end. She passed away a few years ago from cancer and, on Thursday, her loss was felt by all of us who shared our training experiences with her during her many years as the head of the Training Unit. I know she would be excited to see the progress of the Library's new upcoming system and would bid our old training program goodbye with a smile on her face. Good things eventually come to an end.

19 comments:

rosemary said...

good job.....you left hard steps to follow.

Mom said...

Your legacy continues in many ways.

Renee Nefe said...

Nichole Nordeman - Legacy
From the album Woven & Spun

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough?
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

~~~~~~~~~~~
Sounds like you did a good job to me.

Lynn said...

Sigh...as mom says "nothing lasts forever". Yet what she forgets to mention is that endings are often painful. It's hard to see something that you worked so hard for ended in the name of progress (even if you agree with the progress)...Here are some extra ((hugs)) from me:~)

Michele said...

Oh Joan, this must be a difficult time but just know that perhaps they could not have joined the "world of progress" had they not been properly organized and trained in the last 2.5 years. Perhaps the Library may have been in a dire situation that could not allowed it to even stay open... so many circumstances.
It is inevitable that these things happen eventually and it's sad in some ways. That is why we chose to move from the big city to the small city, it was getting far too complicated. You'd like the library here... LOL!
I think you did a good job in the years there and you should be very proud of yourself!
((Hugs))
Michele

Patti said...

It is always difficult when things come to an end...and I'm sorry it had to end without your friend and colleague there with you.

take care, Joan

Linda said...

Even though good things sometimes do come to an end, they are oftentimes remembered long afterwards.

Ended does not mean forgotten.

Texasholly said...

so sad, but you summed it up with good things come to an end...ugh.

jaded said...

Progress is often a bittersweet journey. Harriet's physical absence is not as noticeable as her spiritual presence, which lives on in your memory.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you did a great job at the library. It's sad when things end, but you can look back with pride.

Mary said...

Joan,

I can understand your saddness at seeing your "baby" end. I'm sorry that Harriett wasn't there with everyone. I know you must miss her.

Take care and if you have time, I've tagged you for a meme. If you would rather not, I'll completely understand.

Blessings,
Mary

sari said...

best wishes, joan.

Linda said...

Hi Joan, just wanted to pop by and mention that I've missed seeing you around the Blogosphere and I hope that all is well with you and yours.

If you get the chance, you've been tagged for a new meme over on my blog! Hope you can play!

Patti said...

Hi Joan,
I asked Sis how you were, now am stopping by to say hi. I hope all is well.
Miss you and your posts!

Pam said...

Hi Joan. I hope things are getting better for you. And Lynn! I have been sort of out of it for quite a while now and when I'm up to visiting my old favorites in Blogland, it seems that there are quite a lot of folks going through rough times... Anyway, I wish you the best.

rosemary said...

I have been checking in every day....I hope you are OK and well. I miss your posts.

Anonymous said...

Joan - I've been checking here also. Hope everything is OK with you - you are missed!

rosemary said...

Just thinking about you.

Mary said...

Joan,

Wondering if you are well.

Blessings,
Mary