A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

The title of this post is tribute to this poem by the same name.  It pretty much has nothing to do with what I'm about to write, but my tenth-grade English teacher made me read it and the title has stuck in my head all these years.

If you're between the ages of 30 and 50, you probably remember watching a cartoon as a kid where a fisherman hooks a small fish only to have that small fish swallowed by a larger fish as he's reeling in his catch.  That's pretty much what has happened to me over the last several days.

I posted on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus about ten days ago that I had accepted a position in the Lewisville Independent School District.  It was an exciting new opportunity to be a Team Leader in a very large organization.  I posted that I would be leaving my current post in Honey Grove, Texas- where I've worked for the last 15 years, and beginning my new adventure in July. 

A new challenge.  A new opportunity.  A new door opened to the next phase of my career in public education.

That's all changed.

Just this morning I called Lewisville ISD to let them know that I won't be taking the position after all.  Instead I'll be packing my bags and moving to Atlanta, Georgia two weeks from today.

The day after I accepted the position with Lewisville I was contacted by Piedmont Healthcare about an Application Coordinator position that my good friend Aaron had recommended me for.  One phone conversation and one Skype video conference later I took the job.

My last day in Honey Grove will be Friday June 15th, and I'm to report to Piedmont in Atlanta on Monday June 18th.

The opportunity I was so excited about reeling in just got swallowed by a much bigger one.

Change is good….right?

I'm leaving Texas.  I'm leaving Education.  I'm uprooting my family and dragging them 800 miles east to a new home, new schools, and a new life.

If I said I wasn't excited I'd be lying.

If I said I wasn't scared I'd be lying even more.

Today I said goodbye to most of the staff I've worked with for a decade and a half.  I'll still be around for a couple of weeks, along with a few other full-year employees, and while today's goodbye was difficult, I'm sure the final one in a couple of weeks will be more so. 

A valediction forbidding morning. Saying goodbye with joy.

My family and I will miss the cherished people we leave behind, but instead of mourning what is lost, I'd much rather celebrate what was… and what will be.  I hope that I've lived my daily life in such a way that those I love, know I love them.  I hope I've brought a fraction of the joy, laughter, comfort, support and learning to your lives that you have to mine. 

The end of every journey, marks the beginning of a new adventure.  As my family embarks on our new adventure, we'll cherish the journey we've taken here in Texas, and we'll covet the prayers of those to whom we say "so long." to make smooth the path of our new adventure.

5 comments on “A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

  1. Kristi Jones

    I hope your new job is everything you imagine it to be.  I hope that the move is easy and quick and not nearly as hard on your back as my recent move was on mine.  I hope that Barbie is as excited about the change as you are.  I hope your beautiful girls find lots of new friends and are very happy in their new home.  
    But most of all, I hope you know that Texas and your friends will be here for you, if ever you need us.  

    Reply
  2. Angel in TX

    Wow!  I had no idea what you were going to do next.  So much to do, so little time.  I assume Barbie and the girls will have to stay in Tx a little while and wrap things up?
    Praying for you and happy for you all!!!

    Reply
  3. Keith West

    Hey,
    Kathy just showed me this.  Congratulations and good luck.  We'll be praying for you.  I moved a bunch as a kid, and it was tough.  The move to Lubbock has been tough on Sergey at times.  Don't be surprised if the girls continue to miss Commerce a year or more after you move.  Sergey still does at times, and I went through the same thing with more than one move.
    Keep in touch as much as you can through all the chaos of uprooting and relocating.  And scout some good Brazilian places in Atlanta.  I've never been there, but if I'm ever out that way for a conference, I'll expect you to point (or lead) me to the best one.

    Reply
  4. Jim Beason

    I do remember the cartoon that you speak of, so I can see the analogy.  Congratulations on your newest opportunity.  I will look forward to hearing about the new challenges and opportunites that this position will offer you.  Best of luck to you and your family.

    Reply

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