APPRECIATION

AUGUST 15, 2002

 

Hello all. It's been a while since I've done a bit of ranting or something related to that word. Therefore, I decided to do this at the perfect time. I will now reflect on what has been my final day at work. I have been adorned with much praise, gifts, and lots of appreciation. I definitely feel like I am not deserving of all of this positive reception, but I do appreciate it very much. To know that they value me as the (sometimes) hard worker that I strived to be for them is great. Also, when I have my slacking moments, they understand as well.

 

I told you where I've worked before in a previous moment of reflection (the one on June 25, 2002 to be exact). I'll repeat it anyway. Being here at the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development (located in the City Hall building on the 4th floor) was a great experience. This was my third time being here, and this year was the best. The people around here made it fun, even more so than the previous years. For example, this one female that I always joked around with. I mentioed her before. She enjoyed me getting on her nerves with my widespread vocabulary and smart remarks. She won't admit it though. There's no denying that. Her last day was Friday, August 9th. It was somewhat of an emotional time for her. She was given lots of gifts, hugs, and the like. She was all happy and everything, and shed a few tears as well. I received a big hug from her as well. I knew she had love for me. Then, of course, all of the big time people that work here always make sure that I enjoy myself. I was not hit with as much work this year when compared to last year (thank goodness). However, the work I was involved in this year was more intricate. I was also involved with more hands on experience in some ways. For one thing, I went out with one of the officials to take pictures of one city section that needed a bit of revitalization. Also, I actually attended a staff meeting with the big guys. During that meeting, I was able to offer suggestions and ideas like the others concerning the revitalization area. At that time, it was like I was one of them.

 

On to the gifts I received. First of all, yesterday (August 14), they had organized a little pizza party for me. It was a last minute idea from the officials. It was a nice little shindig. They had to make sure that I stuffed my face. They have been concerned about me ever since I stepped in the office. I have experienced a weight loss that left them astonished, I guess. And to think, they acted that way last year. Now I know I haven't lost that much more. Sheesh...lol. Anyway, today, it was more edibles. As soon as I stepped in this morning, there were brownies waiting for me. They were tasty. Next, a cake was cooked for me. Let me tell you, that was so delicious. A huge gift basket was made for me. I was hooked up with one last year, and I can tell that this one was more packed than the other one. While one person assembled the basket, a lot of people were involved with the contents of the package. It was a great gift. I also received a card from everyone along with money. Oh yeah, you know the girl I just talked about? Well, her mom even stopped by and gave me money. I was surprised that she thought of me enough to do that. I tell ya, the people here at work really know how to take care of somebody. All of this was their way of saying that they appreciated the hard work that I have done for them. I was looking at that basket and thinking to myself that I shouldn't have it. I'm not that great of a person, but they seem to think otherwise. I am extremely thankful. By the way, that basket was too heavy...lol.

 

Finally, everyone's telling me how much they loved having me here once again. I've received quite a few hugs and adoring messages from all over this department and outside as well. As a matter of fact, I went to visit this one cool brotha that works across the way in the Shelby County Building on the 10th floor. That's the building where my mom also works. I told him that I would come and holla at him every time he briefly saw me for the past few weeks. I tried to see him for the past two days, but he was not around. Finally, I was able to spot him, and he told me that my visit really made him feel good. We talked for a long time. We had a very involved conversation with topics of technology, college, girls, and relationships. Like quite a few other people, he was surprised to know that I'm becoming a junior in college. Time has quickly passed, that's for sure. He stated that he was very proud of me along with a few of the young brothas that work with him in his department. As we were both leaving, he decided that he wanted to visit my mom (which was on the 9th floor) and even tell her how proud he is of me. To know that he feels that way is wonderful to me because I see him as an admirable individual.

 

The hardest part of this day was saying goodbye to everyone. It was not really hard to do it, but it was kinda weird leaving after I've spent quite a bit of time with these people. It wa inevitable, though. My term finally ended. I'm used to it though. I've been through this two other times. It's just that the level of appreciation that I received this time around is much more flattering because I didn't expect it at all. They are wonderful people, and I won't forget what they have done for me.

 

So, in closing, here's a shout out to all of these individuals. First, to these particular people at work: Wanda, Clara, Bobbie, Gregory, Terry, Kasi, Diane, Marion, and Marilyn. Thanks for everything. We've spent three years together (well, most of us), and it has gotten better and better. You all are really great. Kasi, you were the new guy, but you fit really well with the gcrew. To the other officials in the department across from us: Nancy, Jennifer, and Erin. Thank you as well for your gifts and contributions. Also, from another department on the other side, I have to give a shot out to Carlos...another guy who always thought the best of me and looked out for me. To the summer interns I've been trippin' with this year: Phillip, Ebonee, and Christina. Thanks for making this year the most fun thanks to you all keeping me laughing. Phil, you were quiet, but still a fool. Christina, you were real cool...even when Ebonee got a hold of you. Y'all just had to gang up on me, huh? It's all good though. Ebonee, I know you're gonna miss me most of all...HAHAHA! Now, to the people in the other building. First, to everyone that works with my mom on the 9th floor, you all are a great bunch of people. Stay working hard. To my boy Darryl, I could never forget about you, and I am glad that my visit has made your day. Thanks for all that you have said. It means a lot to me. Finally, to my dawg Fredrick, you're mad cool. Do not spend too much time on those video games. You'll end up like I used to be. Oops, too late...lol. Stay holding it down up there on the 7th floor.

 

Reflecting on this little time was cool. Looking back, I spent some great times there. I don't think this will be the last time I see them. My summer internshp is now over, and I have only two days to relax...or whatever...before I return to that academic institution known as college. I'm not ready to go, of course. Well, I'm about to close this out now, but before I do, I'll leave you with a quote that one of the people at work wrote for me on a card I received last year. It still sticks out in my mind to this very day.

 

"Forward, ever. Backward, never." - Special thanks to Gregory for that one. I'll never forget it, especially coming from the guy that has always looked out for me and really appreciate me the most.

 

And now, this is coming to a close. I'm out. Peace.