Saturday, May 26, 2012

Not Fade Away - Song Saturday


And like the old soldier in that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the sight to see that duty.  ~ ~ Douglas MacArthur


My retirement day from local government service came and went Friday, but I don't know what Douglas MacArthur was thinking about when he addressed Congress and expressed a desire to 'just fade away.'  I wonder if he ever had second thoughts about making that statement.  Just not my vision.

Tim impressed on me the importance of deliberately constructing memories, for at the end that's all we have - memorable life moments with memorable people.  He also taught by example how to face significant endings (he was dying) and mold to the extent possible leaving on self-determined terms.  So, after I processed the word "layoff," then elected to retire from the public sector after 25 years, and consciously worked at rapidly running through the five stages of grief about the loss of my job, I knew I had to deeply consider my last week at work and how I wanted to remember it and, as importantly, how I wanted my colleagues to remember me.


My retirement party was traditional Chico - a potluck lunch during lunch mid-week.  My colleagues planned it and the decorations were apt (purple - a significant color to me), the room was filled with love from the people who were able to attend, and there were touching remarks made by my superiors about me.

I knew I would (and wanted to) address my co-workers, so I spent my off-hours for the last two weeks visualizing exactly what I wanted to say and the tone I wanted the lunch to take - something that would reflect my essence.

I realized you forget a lot very quickly (and thankfully).  No more work deadlines, no more televised evening meetings after a long day at work, no more cranky citizens who critique without understanding, no more binders, no more paperwork piles.  So, what I will remember is the achievements that mean something to me and the people who made it possible.

Due to the miracles of digital cameras, Jordan was able to film my address.  It's spliced, diced and presented below in three parts.  Total of about 15 minutes, and the final part in particular is the distillation of my mental construction of goodbye to a job that occupied a chunk of my life and friends I will no longer see on a day-to-day basis.


My address to the troops at my retirement lunch was deliberately upbeat and on my terms.  I did not pull a morose MacArthur.  Not Fade Away - not me.

Song Saturday:  The song in the 'tube is Bee Gees - Nights on Broadway



14 comments:

  1. Ah, third vid is classic of my sis. Works the room, yet times it just right for the big finale! Congratulations, Cris, on a job well done to close out your career.

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  2. Hey, Vince - Reminded me of our dance squad backing Megan on 'Respect' in Tahoe at the fam reunion...practicing in the garage. Too cool, huh? Lots of fun, I won, and now I'm going to Disneyland (actually, Vegas - the Disneyland for adults) to catch some primetime music and decompress.

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  3. Congratulations Cris. Great videos.
    Paul and Shima

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  4. Thanks, Paul and Shima. Might have to stage an Occupy Bro's House trip to dc - love that town and haven't seen Shima in what seems like ages.

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  5. Could make that happen. Don't think you've been to Nats park.....

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    1. I may have to hit Dodgers stadium first so I can check off the west coast. When I get your way, definitely Baltimore and DC. As long as there are no more expansion teams, I think I can keep up. xxoo

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    2. Sox-O's last (mid) week of August in B'more. Curt's thinking about it.

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    3. deja vu all over again...

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  6. My girlfriend, the Legend. The first part of three got me teary eyed. I'm proud of you for getting through that without crying! Love the music and dance at the end. Quintessential Cris.

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    1. I know - I did almost lose it thinking of Tim and how all our retirement talks didn't anticipate one rocker on the front porch. But, yes, there must be music and dance at any occasion of mine, and knowing my House of Pain crew were there waiting for the big surprise finish was what kept me dancing. That's what friends are for! love you - kuwait is not in my immediate plans...but I hope I can swing meeting you and Teri in London before you relocate. mwah!

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  7. Congratulations Cris! While we have not worked together in years, you were an absolute pleasure to work with when I was at the City. Sorry I did not know about your retirement party, I would have loved to stop by and speak with you in person. I wish you all the best! Sandy Laver

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  8. Hi, Sandy! So many faces over 25 years - I sent you a f-book invite so we can keep in touch more easily. I fondly remember our co-ed softball team so many years ago when George would be almost lapping me on the bases! Both of you - class.

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  9. I am sorry I had to miss your celebration (I was in Seattle on vacation) but am so very thankful your speech was filmed and that you decided to share it with us. You brought tears to my eyes! I will miss seeing you around on the second floor, the cool floor!, but will always remember the guidance you provided on the projects we worked on together. Thank you Cris - I wish you the very best on what I am sure will be an adventure-packed retirement.
    Best Regards,
    Quené

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  10. Cris, I was sorry that I was unable to attend the celebration of your 25 years of exemplary service to the City. I was touched by your comments and enjoyed the ride down memory lane...a lane we walked together, shoulder to shoulder. Now is the time for you to celebrate the accomplishments you have worked so hard to realize. Now is the time to pursue the next path, to reach out for the next star, and to enjoy the things that are so important to you. Always keep your dreams alive and keep them coming true! Love, Cindy

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