I remember when my kids were small there was a tradition. When ever a kid had a last day in class … For example the kid was moving to another city… they called it the happy last day. The irony was clear even to a kindergartner. There was very little happy about it. the happy last day was indeed a sad one in some ways. All the talk about new beginnings, new friends, new adventure… paled in comparison to the sense of impending loss.

That's how I felt the last couple of days As about 400 of my friends and acquaintances here in Burlington said goodbye to their Jobs . I could not help thinking about the happy last day. As I said in my blog last night, for some this is a real opportunity. But for some it is not. For all, it is forced change with the attendant feeling of helplessness and lack of control. (I for one have learned to welcome these forced changes because it makes one make up one's mind)

Yesterday I went on a walk around my old area just to say goodbye to people . it was hard Seeing everyone empty in their lives into bins and boxes. Many of the hallways were empty. I took this picture of all of the plants that were orphaned by this move. Somehow it struck me as so sad. felt like watering the mall and telling them it would be alright… Will it be alright?

I followed my friend John as he left the plant for presumably the last time. It was powerful moment.

Headed to a local bar which is synonymous in my mind for leaving. It's been that way for 30 years. It was a crowd of people they're talking about the day. 90% of them have lost jobs… But the mood was pretty good. People were talking about their next careers and their memories… I heard a lot of stories. And mostly just listened.

 

..what else could i do ?

Good luck everybody…

Nite all, nite sam

-me