At some point in our careers, we may find ourselves part of an obsolete operation, such as a downsizing, business insolvency, or even a single retail store closing.
This can be a time of positive reflection for us, if we "step back" and ponder the good things that have happened, as well as all the new things we have learned.
Such was the case for us, not long ago.
Our store was closing. I could take the time to list all the shoulda, coulda, woulda items that may have made a difference, and perhaps even have saved the store, but at this point, it doesn't matter anymore. This is written to add human perspective and feeling when considering impending change.
We had already had our last "store meeting". It turned out to be a barbeque at someone's home.
Our store manager arranged for all of us to be at the store together for a one hour window of time. He bought everyone a tall fruit smoothie drink and we just sat around and talked and laughed.
Then it occurred to us that this would be the last time all of us would ever be together at the same time again. The store would close, some of us were moving, and we would all go our own separate ways, forever.
We had made efforts to let others know who had worked with us in the past that the store was closing. I had written a poem about the event and had given copies to all who I thought may care. It went like this:
"Remembering When"
Where does one begin?
How does one collect the thoughts
The feelings and essence of an
Era that has come to a close?
To simply put words to paper
Does not convey the yearnings
The hopes and excitement
The companionship and triumphs that
Were waged and won
Individually and as a team
As we strived for the best
In each other and collectively
To make a success of our dreams.
And now, at it's passing
We reflect on the special times
The sweet times
The personal times of joy and tears
Shared among us, for us and
Because of us for
The essence of life
Was not within these walls
But within the heart
The mind, and the blood
Of those within.
We will always look back
On this time of our lives
With a smile on our lips
Remembering friends
Remembering when....
The reaction was mixed. Some replied, others said nothing. The original manager who had opened the store at the first called and spoke with me. He had figured it would happen, but was surprised when it came so soon. He had appreciated the poem.
Another girl who had worked in the past was shocked when she had received a mass mailing notice sent to our past customer base that we were closing. She came in with her husband one evening to ask if it was true.
Most others have made no response.
I am the only one left who had been there when the doors had opened for the first time. I was there at the birth of hope and opportunity, and now I would be there when they pulled the plug of life support and see it die.
As we sat and talked and joked and fell silent, we knew we would never see each other again. We shook hands, hugged, and the party dispersed.
Without realizing it, I ended up alone to close the store that night. I didn't know I was scheduled alone on my last night in before the store closed for the last time.
I locked the doors, as I had done so many times.
I counted the register, consciously, for the last time. The cash was right on. It was perfect to the penny.
I made out the deposit and printed up the daily reports.
"Funny", I mused. I printed up reports for a day when no one had cared to keep track of the hourly sales. It was the first time we had not kept track.
I bagged up the garbage and set it by the back door. I turned off the lights and just stood there for a moment. I would never see this or feel this again.
I carefully punched in my own security code and set the alarms...for the last time.
I picked up the garbage bag to toss in the trash bin outside and opened the door to leave.
I smiled.
It had been fun.
I closed the door behind me, for the last time, and quietly walked away.
Bob Curtis has been writing articles, short fiction and poetry for over 30 years. He is currently themanaging director of people4people.blogspot.com, and is the president of Nexus Publishing, nexus4u.blogspot.com, in Midvale, Utah.
recurring cleaning service Mundelein ..Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More
There are many stories of people injuring themselves, and others,... Read More
? Make a list of all your accomplishments in life... Read More
"You can't always get what you want . . ."... Read More
Many people don't really understand the gift they have been... Read More
"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side... Read More
"Every prayer - every thought, every statement, every feeling -is... Read More
In his all-time bestselling record The Strangest Secret, author Earl... Read More
Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets;... Read More
Many people who suffer from low self-esteem would give anything... Read More
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't... Read More
Most of us love to think that our problems are... Read More
One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More
Sometimes we are in a position to look into the... Read More
Normally I race around multitasking. I am always thinking about... Read More
You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More
Being a mom can take a toll on your body,... Read More
A Model of the dysfunctional, unconscious human psyche. A way... Read More
Life is an enigma...It starts without our knowledge, grows without... Read More
Getting motivated is sometimes easy enough to do, at least... Read More
Ten tips to transform your move into a creative life... Read More
Humans tend to categorize things by large or small, bright... Read More
"Those people who think they can do something and those... Read More
It is widely believed that just anybody has the intrinsic... Read More
The most happy and successful people on earth have a... Read More
tidy up service Buffalo Grove ..Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More
"It really works!" "Well, I'll be?!"BJ like so many others... Read More
You want to change your self-care habits and you can't... Read More
There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More
So, do you love yourself?Shouldn't really be a difficult question... Read More
I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More
Philippians 4:6-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,... Read More
My story explains the struggles I had as a 23-year-old... Read More
Many people would say that it is absolute madness to... Read More
Have you truly tried and still failed? Have you pushed... Read More
Are you undergoing a major life change? Or merely trying... Read More
At some point in our careers, we may find ourselves... Read More
As a trainer of coaches I often teach my students... Read More
This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
It sounds a little masochistic, but I actually appreciate being... Read More
Did you know that our thoughts may be influencing our... Read More
In many ways the Star War movies are simply a... Read More
The fear of success is more common than some might... Read More
Let's say you're ready to change some aspect of your... Read More
Millions struggle through life barely earning enough to survive. Many... Read More
If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel?... Read More
Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More
In frustration it's easy to jump to false conclusions that... Read More
Philosophy of Forgiveness:The most powerful tool that human beings possess... Read More
Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life?... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |