From Retirement to Replacement

January 4th I returned to work after a nice long Christmas break. I soon learned that my acquisitions clerk had decided to retire the first of February. This was quite a blow as she hast not only done well in her position and in helping the library but she had also become a good friend and, in a roundabout way, become a mentor to me in many ways, even though she has worked for me. She has been in the business world and in management for many years. Her experience was very beneficial.

The last week of the month was very busy getting ready for her Open House Retirement. Although she had not work here 'many, many' years, she had work all her life and at this institution for about 4, 3 of them in the library. However, I valued her contribution to this department. She and her family had experienced some negative situations from the job place and I wanted to show her that she was appreciated, validated and valued - as an employee and a friend.

The color theme was pink and silver with flowers and punch to match. The cake was a white "straw hat" with a pink ribbon to match. It was beautiful and many friends, coworkers and family came by. It turned out to be a wonderful day.

The next day was her actual last day at work. That afternoon I walked her to her car helping her to carry the last of her things and told her goodbye. I turned and went to the faculty mailboxes and picked up an application that had just recently come in for her position. The following Monday the applicant came in for an interview and I virtually hired her on the spot. She came back in for another interview with the academic dean. He gave his approval and today - two weeks to the day of the Open House JM's replacement began.

In the midst of these last two weeks I have been absent for half a week with my husband's out-patient surgery. This was a needful and good thing for him, but certainly puts me behind on the job-side of life.

It has been a whirlwind of activity and the wind isn't through blowing yet, as now the training will start tomorrow in earnest. And the timing, of course, is never ever "just right." We have our annual book sale in two weeks that we are also getting ready for, on top of training a new employee.

But the library is still here and life goes on.