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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> It's done
Post Info TOPIC: It's done
grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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It's done
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Today was the last day of my working life in the non-profit sector.  Starting at 7:15 a.m., I was busy with all the loose ends that needed to be tied up for the business and for the transfers of properties.  The board president loaded my car with what was left of my personal items to add to the boxes that were loaded in my daughter's truck following the Closing Service with some of "my folks" on Sunday.  I locked the van keys up in the "safe closet," armed the system for the last time, locked the two exit doors, dropped the two office keys to the historic building that was "home" for me and for others in the locked mailbox outside, checked the back of our structure to make sure the rollaway that had been loaded with 3 stories and a basement of odds and ends I couldn't give away that weren't household furnishings and supplies for the next organization and climbed into the board president's car. 

As I rode next to him, his car loaded with my things, necessary records and the checkbooks that had been my responsibility and documents to be destroyed and now his, I didn't think of the past.  I thought of being driven by another person again.  No longer in control.  No longer in charge.  No longer in management or development or program planning and execution.  He asked me how I felt and I told him I was too tired to feel.  He asked me what I thought.  I told him that we had made it after almost 27 years of no lawsuits, no major injuries, no debt (and what I didn't add was property in good shape and cash assets for the board to distribute at the end of the 6 month dissolution process that is primarily the wait necessary for any creditors to file a claim against the business and there won't be any.)  His words to me:  "You must have been doing something right for all those years."

When I consider that this woman who at one time lived in poverty, had been abused, had a high school education, was told by our culture at the time that no woman belonged in leadership or could run a business well or had a right to be a spiritual head of anything - especially if they were divorced and raising small children on their own, I am amazed.  And it all came because I surrendered what I thought I knew, what I thought I wanted and what I thought I couldn't do into the hands of a HP who whispered to me - "Don't listen to them," over and over again.

Our board president is right.  I did do something right, but I didn't do it alone.  Thanks for hanging tough with me as I got to the end of this particular road.  It's done now and I'm grateful for all of it.

 



-- Edited by grateful2be on Monday 30th of June 2014 07:44:13 PM



-- Edited by grateful2be on Monday 30th of June 2014 07:45:20 PM



-- Edited by grateful2be on Monday 30th of June 2014 07:46:17 PM

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
PP


~*Service Worker*~

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Well done grateful, well done.......get some well deserved rest



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Paula
Cathyinaz


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I want to thank you for letting us into your world and giving us just a little of your life. WOW.....you have done it haven't you. Makes me happy to see you retire with no regrets and and proud of the accomplishments you have done. Like PP said WELL DONE!!!

Now I hope you can sleep in tomorrow... ((( hugs )))


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wornoutmrsfixit


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Congratulations on all you have accomplished especially in spite of the difficulties we have heard about here. It sounds like you really made a difference in your corner of the world. I'm glad I've gotten to know you.

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"Just being there for someone can sometimes bring hope when all seems hopeless." - Dave G. Llewellyn
Jen61


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Enjoy your retirement and freedom to do what you want to do when you want to do it. Good job and a lot of good memories.


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grateful2be


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Thanks all. I am so relieved that we did make it through all of these years on a shoestring budget and quality programming that made such a positive difference in the neighborhood that even policemen who worked with me at their request for three summers in a row said they'd been to every youth program in the City and ours was the best. I didn't have a clue what I was doing but my HP led me through it all. I'm still very, very tired but also very, very glad that I've had the honor and privilege of doing what I wanted for me and my children that just wasn't there for us. I'm also glad you are all here where I can celebrate an achievement I never dreamed was possible for me. I'm ready to try my hand at something new, but first I have to start finding places in my house for all the stuff I drug home from my "other house." (((PP, Cathy, WOMF, jen)



-- Edited by grateful2be on Monday 30th of June 2014 10:03:01 PM



-- Edited by grateful2be on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 07:40:48 AM

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
hotrod


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Well done Catherine!!! Letting go of preconceived ideas and allowing God to work in our lives is a powerful experience and such a rewarding journey. Good Job my friend

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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

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tiredtonite


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I loved reading your post. How wonderful that you can look back with a sense of pride in how your work has positively impacted the lives of young people.  Happy retirement! I hope you enjoy every moment!  ((grateful)))  TT



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grateful2be


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Thank you, Betty. It was scary a lot of the time, but my HP was there ehvery step of the way.

Thank you, too, TT. Although we did more than offer programming for children, it was a treat to hear policemen sad that I was leaving the neighborhood and that our organization was closing our doors. Generally, our City's police force aren't too crazy about charitable or religious organizations. They've probably had bad experiences. And generally, I'm not too crazy about being seen with police considering the population we serve. But, this was an opportunity I decided to agree to with the police in co-sponsoring a summer program. It was a very positive co-partnership where reps of both organizations got to learn more about each other and we were able to help the families who participate in this program build positive relationships with our police partners and we got to build positive relationships with some on the police force. We worked well together and it was such a treat.

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
Jerry F


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If I had been driving you home we wuda stopped for a large bowl of ice cream, your choice and kick your shoes off, feet up on another chair and smiling like the Cheshire cat.  Good job, no regrets relax...just for today.   (((((hugs))))) smile 



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el-cee


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You should be very proud of yourself grateful, thats some acheivement. Put your feet up now like jerry says and make a list of the nice things you want to do now you have the time.x



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milkwood


~*Service Worker*~

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Congratulations Grateful ((((((hugs))))))) you are a very special person

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Debilyn


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You did wonderful things in your time there lady! Now to your next adventure. I know you will love being able to take naps, go shopping and not worry about time, even go explore things in other cities!

hugs, you deserve the best!



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Putting HP first, always  <(*@*)>

"It's not so much being loved for ourselves, but more for being loved in spite of ourselves."

       http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html            Or call: 1-888-4alanon
yanksfan51


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Thank you for sharing Grateful.  Well done--brava!!

Mary



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pinkchip


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I bet you want to move to Florida now! You could work part time with juvenile delinquents :)

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grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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Ah, blessed. Thank you. Your last sentence feels to me like a kiss from my HP.

Pinkchip, thank you for the invitation and I think that working with out of control kids would not be that something new that I'm ready for. I wouldn't mind running around with you watching you do it though.

Mary, thank you for your affirmation and that new Italian word I will put in my memory bank.

Debilyn, I am enjoying being in my robe with sandals on my feet this morning, typing on my laptop and wondering if I want to get dressed or just put on a new pair of pajamas today.

Milkwood, thank you for being so sweet and affirming. What is the name of the flower in your avatar, sister?

el cee, thank you for your suggestions. Putting my feet up and just being for today may very well be what I do. I'm not even checking my appointment book for anything today. I know there is nothing on it. Woo Hoo.

Jerry, I would have thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the ice cream, and letting somebody else do the driving as we chat about life, what we've learned, where our HP has planted us and what S/He has done in us.



-- Edited by grateful2be on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 12:26:53 PM

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
Mimi3


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Catherine~ Enjoy!!!

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXteMF4JIfYIIoR4gWlHG2RfuulrjuSQ5vsgCwzy9RNyVLHpC1dw



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Cindy 
grateful2be


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MIMI! Thank you so much for this delightful balloon and your well wishes. And its so good to see you on the board, too, sister.

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
Debilyn


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lol ing at pinkchip! lol lol ok move to oregon, you can come work on the farm!

NEW jammies! (c: oh and pretty sweats in winter. AND go to the shelter and adopt a new tiny dog!!

Time for a pot bellied pig!!!! 



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Putting HP first, always  <(*@*)>

"It's not so much being loved for ourselves, but more for being loved in spite of ourselves."

       http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html            Or call: 1-888-4alanon
grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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I'll just come visit yours, Debilyn. My girls wouldn't like to share the house with a dog or a pig. I do think I heard them discussing how little they like the idea of me being home all day, too. Wait...! Is that a suitcase I hear them dragging out of the closet? They aren't packing to send me on holiday are they? It's only been a few hours of them having me home in the morning and they already want me out so they can do what they normally do when I'm not home. They've sent me a paw message just now in kitty sign: Mom: Have a good time on that trip we'd like you to take. Please leave fresh litter, water and food. We love you. Hannah & Holly

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
KennyFenderjazz


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As far as your cats and vacation, perhaps time to change your mantra to "listen to them" over and over again. Congrats Catherine, have a great retirement. I'm appropriately jealous!

kenny

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Cathyinaz


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Arizona.......come to the warm part of the world. lol


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 Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth

Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.

 
milkwood


~*Service Worker*~

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If you are looking for a holiday, bring that suitcase to Italy my friend!
We can have a new pyjama party
This flower is a clematis - I came across it on a visit to a lovely stately home in England with my brother. Its pink - I'm practising for an outfit for Pinkchip's wedding, but it might have to be pink pyjamas and a pretty hat now!

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grateful2be


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I love this group! You're warm, inviting and best of all - fun, fun, fun!!!!!!!! We have clematis here - usually blooms in July - but I haven't seen one like yours, Milkwood. Considering PC's pink rooster, you definitely will be dressed right for the wedding. I'll wear a hat, too. Fascinators in Italy or another type of fun hats?

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
Temple


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Congratulations and Bless your Heart!

Thank you for all the wonderful years of service.

I admire you very much.

Temple

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It's easy to be graceful until someone steals your cornbread.  --Gray Charles

 
SerenityRUS


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Hugs Grateful .. I'm so glad this has all come full circle for you .. it's amazing what we can do when there is just not another option.

Can't wait for your next adventure :)

Hugs S :)

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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism.  If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown

"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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Oh, Temple. Thank you so much for your care and for your sincerity. You are such a dear. I hope you know that? I so enjoy you and your posts.

Serenity: You often remind me of me as a younger woman and mother struggling with so much on your own. You're a feminine warrior and I see you forging your own trail with your courage, your smarts, your persistence and your program. I hope I'll get to watch your progress and see where you go from here in the next few years.

Much affection and hugs for you both.

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
Katy


~*Service Worker*~

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Dear Greatfultobe,

you have done an amazing job, and it came because you surrended what you thought you knew, I love that, I find the smallest of things so powerful to understand and grasp, you have a delightful way with your words, enjoy your retirement xxxxxxxxxxxx

love

Katy

   x



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Katy
grateful2be


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(((K))) I may just hop on the back of the bike with you as an old hen and we can go places together, sister. Thank you for your response and for being you, too!

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
PP


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You are not an old hen!!!!  There is more vibrancy and more life just waiting to bust free with Cathy's musical inspiration...let's hear it "Footloose, Footloose".w00t.gif



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Paula
grateful2be


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And I'm going to be riding with you, too, my other footloose and vibrant friend. Fortunately, in Footloose, nobody was trying to put Baby in a corner. I won't be going in a corner either, PP. Especially with friends like you who remind me to Woo Hoo it rather than Boo Hoo it. (((PP)))

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
el-cee


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Lol, wasnt baby in dirty dancing? Em I think grateful, since everyone is trying to take you, you can come to scotland, I think you will enjoy the grey skies and the rain, arizona and italy just sound too hot and bright for you, plus, you know the lingo.x

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PP


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Elcee, since I have been accepted as a traveling companion, how bout me, too?  We will pick you up and head to Milkwoods?

 



-- Edited by PP on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 11:24:48 AM

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Paula
NL14


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Congratulations! You must feel proud and at peace about your contributions and accomplishments. Best of luck in the future.

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grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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Yes, Baby was in Dirty Dancing and not in Footloose, so fortunately, I don't have to worry about that happening since we're singing the score that doesn't include Baby. This probably doesn't make sense and who cares? Woo Hoo!

I'm with Paula. Cathy, meet us at LaGuardia. We can all fly over the ocean together and meet up with elcee in her Mr. Happy Face costume and go to Italy where the weather is sunny, the grapes are flourishing, and genuine Italian pizza pie is available for us. We'll know Milkwood who will be wearing her pink hat and pjs.   Woo Hoo!

PC and Debilyn:  I hope you can leave your new spouse and your animals and go there with us, too.  Anybody else want to go on this adventure?  And I'm really serious about this.  I think we'd have so much fun together.

-- Edited by grateful2be on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 11:36:29 AM



-- Edited by grateful2be on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 11:38:33 AM



-- Edited by grateful2be on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 11:40:01 AM

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
el-cee


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Oh, I see what your saying. Yes this trip sounds nice, I will be In rome In 2 weeks, does that suit everyone? We can meet at the colloseum, so excited.x

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grateful2be


~*Service Worker*~

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El cee!!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds marvelous! Just 2 weeks away. Wow.

NL14: Thank you so much for your support and kind words. Means a lot to me.

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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
PP


~*Service Worker*~

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The more the merrier...I am easy to travel with as long as I am not with someone who snoressmile



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Paula
grateful2be


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I do hope you bring your peanut butter cups.  I think I may snore.  I don't know for sure.  I can't hear myself when I sleep.



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"Darkness is full of possibility." Leunig
PP


~*Service Worker*~

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Peanut cups and pizza are a traveling must. 



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Paula
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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> It's done