Today was a turning point in my current life, when I left NAMI Jacksonville as Program Director. I was nervous for the week to conclude, and hoping for the best with new horizons ahead of me. Trepidatiously I walked myself downtown to work early this morning. My last time walking into that beautiful building of the Jessie Ball DuPont Center. My home away from home for the past two years. There was a beautiful networking breakfast this morning for all non profits in Jacksonville. While I was distracted at this event, my coworkers surprised me with presents, poems, flowers, lunch and so many good memories. I am so grateful for everything I have learned and for the amazing people I have come to know. I had an amazing day, and the perfect send off, filled with joy and well-wishes.

I have mixed emotions, but know in my heart and mind that I have made the right move to begin working for GAL next week. I am so excited about the new opportunity. At the same time, goodbyes are such sweet sorrow. I cried some as I read the touching card from my coworkers. I laughed. We had a great time together one last time as the “Dream Team”. As I embraced every co-worker, I was choked up. Especially on the last embrace with my sweet co-worker, B. B and I have been together for so long and became such good friends. As I got into my car afterward, I was overwhelmed with sweet happy tears. I cried one good cry as difficult as it was to make this decision, I have made life changing friends. I am so blessed and grateful for each and everyone of my sweet co-workers who have treated me so well. As they say, as one door closes…another one opens. I felt that, and drove home in a mixed state of happiness and sadness. Tomorrow on my last day at NAMI, I will do a tabling event at the local college and a NAMI IOOV presentation. This was last day in the office and it was near perfect and beautifully orchestrated by my co-workers. I am so lucky to have met such wonderful people. Hope the same for my future co-workers at GAL. Cannot wait to continue working with GAL this time in a paid position. I am nervous but also so so ready for this change. Looking forward to making this next step, bring it on world…I am ready.

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