Tuesday, October 29, I was honored with a Retirement Luncheon at my place of employment. At first I nixed the idea of having anything "in my honor" because I've just been a secretary for as long as I can remember, but my young co-workers and boss insisted and finally I gave in. I've got to admit that I'm so glad I did.
A delicious meal of Fried Mullet, Cheese Grits, and Baked Beans was served along with an incredible, irresistable table of desserts. There were people there from all departments along with a group from the former prison I worked at before coming back to my present location. There were a couple who came out of retirement to attend and some came who I worked with when I first started. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and appreciation extended to me. And as if that wasn't enough, there were gifts and a plaque. I will never forget that day or the wonderful people I have worked with through the years. They were like family and I loved them all.
Pictured here are Richard (retired assistant warden), me, Mary Ellen (retired warden), Walt (now a warden), and Steve (currently a captain). We all worked together at one time. I called it "Camelot" because everything was so perfect when we worked together.
Pictured are Shawn (another warden's secretary from Lake Butler), Me, and Mary Ellen. Shawn and her husband Ben (colonel) drove several hours to surprise me. Shawn worked with me for about a year and was such a dear friend. She has the sweetest family and I have missed them so much.
Mary Ellen was a wonderful boss. Instead of a gift just on Secretary's Day, she declared that it was "Secretary's Week" and had a gift/card/lunch out every day of the week. She also insisted that I take several weeks off when Amelia was born to enjoy being a grandmother.
This is a picture of my current warden, James, presenting me with a plaque and other gifts. The black officer in the "trooper" hat is one that I'm especially fond of. He stands for good things and works hard to make a difference. The young man in the green shirt, Scott, (currently an assistant warden) is one of the young men that I started out with and I'm very proud of him. He had just made sergeant when I started.
Getting presents is always fun.
Of course I can't begin to tell you who all these people are, but I am so fortunate to have known them and worked with them. The most important one is right next to me (Bubba). He kept the things at home (cooking, cleaning, etc.) for the past seven years so that I had the energy and enthusiasm I needed at work and could enjoy any time I had off without having to worry about housework.
My wish would be for everyone to enjoy their jobs as much as I did mine. This was a wonderful occasion and I'm very grateful for the experience. I wish them all much happiness in the years ahead.
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