My last shift at work. It was with mixed feelings that I went into my shift. I have made some very dear friends working at Arnold, not just from my colleagues, but customers too.
When I got there Sharon Szeremeta had decked out the till I gravitate to, 21, with a banner balloon and a plant she had bought me.
A lot of my regulars came in and said farewell, Tony welled up with tears, and he thanked me for listening to him over the years with his caring for and then losing his wife, Margaret. I did tear up then, giving him a hug and telling him to go chat to Kev when he goes in. Kev likes to chat and it will be a good way for Tony to stay in touch. A few others too have said they'll ask Kev how I am.
I went for lunch, and Louise came in and asked if it was alright to give me some gifts they'd bought as management. I had said I didn't want a fuss, and I think she was a bit unsure what kind of reception she would recieve given the circumstances. Luckily Kev was in the canteen and explained why I'd said no fuss, that I've never wanted to be the centre of attention as I find it uncomfortable. That was why we had a wedding on our own in Mauritius all those years ago as it saved me from all that excess fuss. Sure we had a party when we got back, but that was a hand picked few who at the time I trusted and felt comfortable with. What I don't like is just being in the spotlight with people I don't really know.
So I ended up with a trolley full of flowers a gift bag from both Margaret Muldoon, and Gilly Biddlestone, my plant and balloon from Sharon Szeremeta, a gift card, wine and chocolates from other members of staff and a stack of cards. It was all lovely but very emotional.
We had an Uber home as there was no way we could drag all that lot on the bus home with us.
As we sat outside waiting Kaci Marshall came running out with more flowers that she had bought me too. Such a sweet girl, I shall miss our Sunday morning chats.
I was, according to the schedule supposed to be on Sunday, but Louise said that was an error, so basically I finished there and then.
Poor Kev will be on his own to journey to and from work from now on, until he decides he too has had enough. Bless him. So that's it for my working life, the last 13 years at Arnold being my happiest, yes theres been ups and downs but apart from the last 6 months Ive generally enjoyed working there.
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