Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.
- John Lennon
July 17th; 17 days shy of my 14th anniversary at my employer and the day my position was eliminated. Thinking over the past 14 years, I am in awe of how much has transpired in my life. During that balmy Seattle summer in 2000, I was so excited and full of promise, being out here on my own in the great & beautiful Pacific Northwest. I had accepted the position knowing it would take me 3000 miles away from any family members. I knew no one in Seattle; now 14 years on, I've built a life here with friends and colleagues who fill the role of my extended family.
My employer had been - at times - both my best friend and my worst enemy. It was the longest, most stable relationship I'd had. It kept me awake countless nights & was a comfort to me when needed. It saw me through tough times, and celebrated with me in good times. In short: it was my life, my identity and my support system.
My emotions are mixed relief & happiness, with a little sorrow over leaving this part of my life behind. Like any good thing, this must end. When you lose your job, people expect you to be devastated & heartbroken. Upon hearing the news I felt relief; I knew it was time for me to move on and had already mentally prepared myself to do so. I prayed for this…I prayed for substantive change in my life and my prayer was answered. I am ever so grateful and blessed for that.
As has been the case all along, my company set me on the right path. In preparing for Act 2 of this screenplay I affectionately call "My Life", I'm once again filled with a sense of promise and hope for a future filled with successful ventures, laughter, and kinship. I don't anticipate looking back; only forward.
Always & forever...forward.