Kidnapped

Other than a vague instruction to keep my calendar open on Tuesday afternoon, I had no inkling that my team had planned an amazing farewell luncheon. Around 1pm, my supervisor appeared in my door and said, "You're with me." and off we went, out of the library into her car and off campus to a quaint B&B called Altnaveigh Inn ( http://www.altnaveighinn.com/ ). We had our Winter Solstice (aka Christmas) celebration there last December and it was such a pleasant time together that we lingered awhile to enjoy it. I was delighted to be breaking bread there again - looking forward to a time of fellowship and camaraderie.

We were seated in the air conditioned Main dining room around a long table, peering at the menu and drooling over the likes of Confit Duck salad, Monte Cristo sandwiches and Seared Tuna. Conversation was light hearted and filled with mention of good memories springing from the various escapades we have shared. On my plate I found a tasty carrot salad filled unexpected ingredients like golden raisins, cranberries, and an unusual dressing. Its bright colors, various shapes and textures, and special ingredients looked appealing nestled in the center of the china plate surrounded by sections of a turkey club and home fries. The sensation for my mouth was unique as each salad ingredient gave forth its particular flavor, and the textures added to the culinary experience. I have not encountered the likes of this salad in other places I have dined. As I savored each bite, it occurred to me that the team sharing the table with me was much the same.

Each person brought their particular skills and strengths to bear on the projects and workflow, bringing with them a unique perspective, a style and approach all their own. In such a short year and a half, I have come to value each one for what they have brought into the daily demands of a busy iDesk. Each person has taught me something valuable, each one watching out for me, bringing me along in their own way, making sure I had a clear understanding, pointing me in helpful directions, keeping me on track. Without them, the year would have been bland, dull, boring and tedious. Just another day at work. Just another load of tasks to complete.

Instead, every morning, I would be greeted by smiling faces, hearts full of concern for their duties and for the customers we encountered, angst about how to get it all done, timid whisperings of fears and concerns, joyful celebrations of births and rewards, tales of cats and dogs, children and grandchildren, friends and lovers. Oh, we have had our share of ups and downs, dealing with overwhelming demands and unreasonableness from all directions. We have had to say the hard things, learn to be openly honest with each other, hold everyone responsible for behaving nicely. But all in all, we walked forward fairly smoothly despite a few bumps in the road. What a fabulous world I have been privileged to participate in!

I shall miss it dearly (can we ever figure out how to move on to new eras without leaving behind people who have become such a part of our lives?). I shall miss the silly things written on the whiteboard; the camaraderie that comes from dealing with a difficult patron successfully, the heads bent together over the Admin Conference table putting together the pieces of some puzzle, the quiet, unheralded sacrifices people made in order to cover the desk and free me up to handle other things - gestures that have been such a daily part of my world. I shall miss the hugs, the little messages left on my chair about places to go and things to see, the flowers that show up in my office (I am gazing with delight on a garden bouquet of bright yellow daisies, tall purple loosestrife and delicate pink allysum as I write), the tears when things fall apart, the continual stream of excellent baked goods on the back table, the hair tearing when a system goes down. I shall miss it all.

But most of all, I shall miss the wonderful women who have taken me in and let me be part of their place, part of their work, part of their lives. I have been unalterably changed by them to my gain. In the quiet of the night, I will remember them and smile. I will remember not because of the huge overflowing baskets of gifts they presented me with - thoughtful presents of engaging books, funny DVDs, tasteful CDs, luscious fragrances, gorgeous scarves, soft blankets, pillows, robes, a beautiful purple glass oil lamp - too many things to even mention (I was completely overwhelmed and deeply touched at how well they know my tastes!). I will remember them not because of all the projects and workshops and scrambling we have done. I will remember them not because of the documents we have created, the evaluations we have endured, the goal setting we have been exhausted by.

I will remember them for being who they are, each one a unique and precious woman with much to offer and a heart willing to share. Thank you for a great year and a half. I shall not forget.