I’m not big on leavings…….I’d rather say “see you later” instead of “good-by” but today was a “Good-by” Day. First of all, I parted with January which was my pleasure – a single-digit wave sufficed and may January 2007 rest in peace. Our discomfort was minor compared to many but I hate all the upheaval that others experienced – the emotional and financial toll not to mention loss of life. While those wounds will heal we will see the visual reminders for years to come with the aftermath of tree loss from this ice storm. But January ate up 31 days of winter and spring can’t come soon enough for me!
The other “Good-by” was truly a “see you later” – actually it was “see you on the trails” – as I said parting words to my dear friend of many years and boss for almost the last 3 years – Norb Bagley, who retired today. Norb became COO of CoxHealth in July 2004 and inherited me along with the job. He was already a friend and bicycling buddy (along with his great wife, Ann) but in the last 32 months Norb has taught me a great deal about how to manage others and how to guide with care and compassion. He is truly one of the most outstanding bosses I’ve had over the last 40+ years and I feel blessed to have been able to work for and with him. We’re already making dinner plans with Ann and Norb in the near future and our friendship will continue as he enjoys plenty of time to explore the trails and backroads of life.
Tomorrow I greet my new boss, Steve Edwards, and I look forward to learning from him. I’ve known Steve for many years and we worked in the same office several years ago. We are both number nerds and share similar political views and I think we will work well together. More gears have shifted in my life this week – but isn’t life really about changing….and growing…and exploring….and anything BUT standing still?
