Goodbye Old Friend

By Chris

Got some bad news that a longtime colleague in my office is heading to another opportunity (bad news because she's my best buddy at work . . . good for her though). We've worked together 12 years, much of it collaborating on the most meaningful successful work of my career. Our current roles have meant we have not done much "work" together in a few years, but on the days when I am in the office, we almost always grab lunch at the sametime (even if it's cans of soup usually in the kitchen). We share the same sense of humor and perspectives on personalities we encounter. So, our lunch sessions are typically spent laughing and joking. We review the headlines together. Joke about our family members, whose story lines we share and update like Soap Operas. I swear it's like being in high school hanging out with friends during lunch with my buddy. For someone like me who can't stand to sit still in my office, I find myself counting down to lunch. Breaks the days up nicely. In a true testament to our connection, I am going to be in town and at her farewell luncheon at the China Garden next week (I typically have a don't-go-to-these-type-of-things policy . . . which Teresa says is horrible). The policy works too, because I usually don't get invited anymore to the "after hours" stuff. I send gifts though, when appropriate. But, I digress. Teresa calls this buddy my "work wife" affectionately. She'll still be local, so I'm sure we'll stay in touch. But it won't be the same. Goodbye buddy. It won't be the same without you!