Change in life is inevitable and often serves to bring new ideas, a fresh perspective, and opportunities for growth.
When a staff member leaves, however, I am often asked the question, "So, what
really happened???"
And personally, I find this question disturbing.
Statistics bare out the fact that in today's work force most people don't stay in one job for any great length of time. Turn-over, like all change, is inevitable, and staff will come and go. Like the seasons, people go through phases in their careers. And, also like the seasons, some days are bright with promise and others are clouded with frustration and restlessness.
Last year, our devoted animal-care manager, Susan Taney, moved on. I know that the vast majority of Susan's days were bright and rewarding. But like any job, occasional storms inevitably pass through. And when various challenges arose, Susan's days became clouded with frustration. Susan knew when it was time to move on as surely as the seasons change. Yet, to this day, I continue to be asked "for the real scoop." Well the scoop is, Susan is alive and well and frequently meets me for breakfast. Did she move on? Yes. Is it "Ok"? Yes from me and Yes from her.
Now you may be asking yourselves, "Why is Jan bringing up old news?" Well, the simple answer is that people continue to "move on", and it's ok.
In early September, our barn care assistant, Fernando, moved on. And like those before him, Fernando had seen both sunny and cloudy days in his time with us. Remember, seasons change! Fernando moved on when he felt the need for change, and we wish him well! And I'll say it again, "it's Ok." In fact, he is soon to be a new papa; and starting a sleepless season for certain!
Two weeks ago, our long time instructor and program coordinator, Diane Wlezien, resigned from her position. Diane gave five dedicated years of service to TLC, for which I will always be grateful. Together, through all the passing seasons, we've laughed, we've cried, we've dreamed, we've argued, we've planned, and we've both grown. And, as her time to move on has arrived, she will always be remembered as a key player in the early years of the Light Center. In her new position, Diane will get "financial benefits," a commodity not to be taken lightly. But as this Light Center "season" passes, she'll also take "benefits" with her; the benefit of knowing that she has touched the lives of hundreds of kids. It seems to me that this is a commodity of equal value, and I believe she would agree!
So, in closing these random thoughts, I want to say that everything really is "Ok." There's no need to ask about "the real scoop." The whole world is spinning just as it should and the seasons are changing. When Diane leaves, we'll face some new challenges, but we also face an opportunity for new growth. As I look out the window, it looks like rain… And as they say, "we can curse the darkness or light a candle." Well, I'm sitting here in the "Light Center" so I guess I'll find a box of candles. It may be a long winter season... Or the "Light" might be just around the corner!
With great thanks, we wish Diane joy, fulfillment, and peace!
Jan
