It's hard to believe that the day has finally come! This whole week has been a little surreal and yesterday was no exception. I have to admit the last day was wonderful. In some respects it was business as usual. There were still patients to be greeted, insurance problems to be solved and personnel issues to be discussed. But throughout it all was the constant thought that this time would be the last time that I did each of these tasks. The day started off very nicely with a desk piled high with cards and a dozen red roses from the original doc and his wife:
The new doc took us all out to lunch to celebrate my and the original doc's birthday (we share the same birthday, but I'm a year older than he is). I thought I was going to be able to hold it all together until about the last hour. The original doc's wife came by to bid me farewell and tell me how much my being office manager has meant to them. Her husband gave me a touching card telling me that I am one of the most competent people he's ever known (high praise in my book!). Then the doc who just sold the practice called from California. He told me how much my being his office manager had meant to him. He said that for 10 years I had kept him organized at work and was truly his "work wife" (our little joke). He said that he and his real wife were so grateful for how easy I had made his life.
The interesting thing is that through all of this the new doc remained strangely silent. Although he took us out to lunch, he does that for every employee on his or her birthday. He never said a personal word of congratulations or thanks to me. But this was perfectly ok as it confirmed that I was making the right choice – as if there was any doubt!
Last night I had a defining moment. I usually wake up in the middle of the night and have a hard time falling back to sleep because my mind is racing with worries and concerns about work. Last night I woke up and in that half asleep/half awake state I visualized a bunch of folders. The largest one was labeled "Work". I opened it up and it was empty! So I rolled over and went back to sleep.
My random number generator (hubby) picked a number and the winner of the Swallowtail Shawl is Sue – Cody Country Knitter. Congratulations Sue! I have already been in contact with her and she wants a white shawl. Perfect in my opinion.
And now let the party begin:
missouristar 
Congratulations! I love your work folder being empty. Nice way to think about your new life. You will soon fill it up with lots of knitting, hugging grandchildren and spending quality time with your husband.
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Dorothy – I KNOW you will enjoy retirement…Have a great party tomorrow night!
Wonderful, Dorothy!! Congratulations! Have a terrific time tomorrow night. Enjoy every accolade. You’ve earned them. And, forget trying to hold it together. Just let ‘er rip. Best Wishes for a wonderful retirement.
Congratulations! You made it! I’m sure Sue is thrilled and she’s a doll herself. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next to keep yourself busy.
Happy Birthday and Congratulations.
Enjoy.
Huge congratulations! Your former doctors and their wives know your true worth. Enjoy every moment of your party and retirement. Happy birthday too!
Congratulations on your retirement and Happy Birthday! Time to open up a new chapter, and I’m sure it will be part mystery, a large part craft/sewing/quilting, and a continuing love story. Best wishes from Texas.
Yay for you, Dorothy! Best of wishes on your next career – retirement!
Congrats Dorothy! Enjoy your new chapter.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday!
The words you treasure came from people you respect and admire. Words from the other guy wouldn’t have meant much anyway.
Enjoy your evening and your retirement.
Congratulations, and Happy Birthday! You deserve every bit of the good things coming your way!
Wow! Congratulations, Dorothy! Even though I don’t comment, I read your blog regularly, and thoroughly enjoy them all! Retirement is wonderful (4 years for me)! I’m certain it’ll be great for you, as well. How wonderful now, especially, to have the rest of your family nearby. I’m really excited for you. Don’t know when I’ll be out west again, but certainly look forward to seeing you again – perhaps another yarn crawl, even though I don’t knit? Love, Karen (Li’s sil)
Congratulations on your retirement! I found you over on Ravelry. Like you, I was trying to decide between a Kromski Sonata and an Ashford Traveller. Both seem like great wheels. I went with the Sonata, because I really needed portability but if I ever see a Traveller used that is a great price I’ll get it too!
I hope you enjoyed your party today! š How wonderful that you heard from the people who really count, that you have done such a great job. Enjoy Monday morning, when you don’t have to wake with an alarm!
Happy retirement!
Enjoy!
(I’ve got nine more years… *sigh*)
Congratulations, Dorothy!