Goodbye, Goodyear

I woke up on the morning of what I had decided would be my last day of work at Goodyear and entered into a major state of denial. It was almost like running head-first into a brick wall that had appeared out of nowhere right in front of me... suddenly, my moment of change was upon me, and regardless of all the weeks that lead up to the next few days, I found myself feeling totally and completely unprepared for the time to actually be here. 

What am I doing?

Am I crazy?

I should probably just stay.

I had been dreading the day... dreading the goodbyes I'd have to say, the people I'd have to leave, the comfort of the environment that had become a second home to me. I had many moments of this is my last commute here, the last time I'll be walking through these doors, the last time I'll be rolling up my chair and sitting at my desk... And I started to feel a bitter pain in my heart. Because I hate saying goodbye.

Some of my favorite people in the company attended a lunch with me that day, and I was overwhelmed by the kind words everyone had to say about working with me. It was such a fulfilling feeling knowing I was appreciated and recognized for the work I've done over the years. I've had the opportunity to work with some really fantastic people, and to build relationships that I hope will carry over into the years ahead. 

I've also received nothing but support, well wishes, and encouragement from my friends and co-workers since the day I announced I would be leaving. Hearing things like "We believe in you," "Your talents will take you far," and "We're so proud of the person you've become" really helped to lift me up on that day of incredible uncertainty. 

When one of my best buddies, Ed, put his arms around me, he said, You're not leaving, you're just going. And he's so right... We never really leave our homes. Even though sometimes we may just be farther away, there's always some part of us that stays right where we've always been.

Ed

My girls, Tiona & Jen

Rob & Britney

Scott

Duane

Kris

My boys, Shawn, Justin & Dan

I worked with these three long before I started working full-time for Goodyear. When I moved back to Ohio from South Carolina in 2009 and started working for Dan's company, Mosher Media, I had no idea when I walked into that office on my first day that I was going to make some of the best "boy friends" I've ever had. I really love these gents dearly; they've helped me get to where I am today both personally and professionally, and I'll always be grateful to have them in my life.

Now Jessica and I have some sort of "special" relationship... maybe I put the "quotes" there because I can't really think of a good word to describe us, but I really love this girl to pieces. She's brightened each day she's been at the office (don't get me wrong, she's annoyed me so bad before I've wanted to smack her into next Sunday) and by "brightened" I mean provided comedic relief in the most awkward of ways. 

We both get each other on some strange level unattainable to other average humans on earth, and I'll even go so far as to say we have our own language, which partly involves just looking at each other and bursting into uncontrollable laughter for no reason. Not seeing this chick everyday has left a hole in my life for sure, so... good times, girl, good times. Till we meet again.

Later that afternoon, after I had gathered the rest of my belongings from my desk, I walked out of the department for the last time and into the lobby, taking another look around at the faces and places that had become so familiar to me day after day. I had my four favorite people standing there with me by the main entrance of the building, and after I said my final goodbyes, I took a deep breath and turned to face the doors... inside was the warmth of familiarity, and outside I could start to feel the cold sting of the unknown.

It took a lot of courage for me to walk out of those doors that day, to leave behind the comfort and safety of an environment I came to know and love. But everyone there helped prepare me in some way for this big step I was about to take, and every time I think about the people here that I love, I know I'll be reminded that I'm never alone in my journey.