Every now and then a child says something to me that is in some way profound.
Yesterday was my last day of work. I was telling one of the kids (a fourth grader, I believe) my quandary about whether to attend one last work meeting that takes place next week - after my last day of work. There is a bit of an inconvenience involved in attending work meetings because they are in the evening and extend until about 8:15 or 8:30, but this coming meeting would be my last chance to see some coworkers before I leave for Taiwan. It would also be a Christmas party with a sock exchange (which I've heard is really fun) as well as some other fun activities to do together.
My young friend told me, "you should go." So I asked him why (because I wanted to hear his reasoning, not because I was being sassy.) He told me, "Because it will be fun and because then you could say goodbye to your coworkers for the last time."
I guess it was nothing I didn't already know, but it was a good reminder to value those relationships I've built in spite of it meaning I should leave my house on a cold December evening, drive all of the 7 minutes to the Parks and Rec headquarters, and go give socks to a random coworker.
Furthermore, my coworker was also telling me I should come, which I think is her way of showing that she enjoys my being around. When people learn to enjoy your presence it is good to value that because we interact with so many people regularly and the chances of forming any deeper connection are slim, unless significant effort is made and time spent. I think this is my cue to honor the relationship that has begun between us, as well as the many others that have formed in other contexts.
I really am sad about leaving my work, it has been one of the best jobs I've ever had.
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