Author Preface - This post is 2 of 7 of posts related to my last weeks prior to retiring from the YMCA of South Florida after just over 40 years.
This poem, I wrote from the perspective just before I announced my retirement to Sheryl A. Woods, President/CEO to my anticipated exiting the YMCA Association Office the final time. This was read at my retirement reception on December 10, 2024.
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Not wanting to waste her valuable time,
I arranged only a half hour with her.
Knowing her daily agenda is filled,
Our routine impromptu chat just won’t work.
Just minutes before my appointment time,
I wiped the remnants of my latest tears.
I looked like I lost an allergy fight,
Before taking my longest walk that day.
I grabbed a handful more tissues, a pen,
My “to do” notepad and my envelope.
I left my office, arrived at her door,
In mere seconds, not the hours it felt like.
Although her office was steps from my own,
It felt like I walked miles to get there.
By now, my nerves gotten the best of me,
As seen by the cold sweat, I broke into.
Her door slightly ajar, I knocked gently,
With her stoic smile, she welcomed me in.
Apologizing her need to wrap-up,
An e-mail she was about to send out.
Perhaps, my formality confused her,
She offered me a seat at her table.
Nervously, I decided where to sit,
I took the chair opposing the desk’s side.
Once the e-mail was sent, she left her desk,
Apologizing again, she joined me.
Taking the chair, directly facing me,
I acknowledged her and let out a sigh.
Our silence was louder than our voices,
Silently, she read my body language.
Granting time to regain my composure,
I wiped my tears again, took a deep breath.
Understanding her leadership style,
I reminded myself to be direct.
With a poker face and staying to script,
My voice cracked like a pre-pubescent boy.
Hoping another deep breath would calm me,
But anxiety riddled my body.
I stated my intent to retire,
Effective Friday, December thirteenth.
With a heavy heart, I shared my motives,
From promises made to new adventures.
Through tears, I mouthed genuine gratitude,
Telling her its time to prioritize me first.
I looked at my friends who jumped jobs often,
They questioned what kept me devoted here.
Knowing deep within why I stayed around,
As the non-cash dividends kept paying.
I spent some of our time reminiscing,
Being truly blessed with a great career.
From having met and made lifelong great friends,
To some becoming extended family.
Grateful for opportunities given,
Celebrating moments and milestones.
Best known for wearing the Y shirt proudly,
I leave a legacy in all I’ve done.
Feeling I overextended my stay,
We brought our intimate chat to a close.
It felt like only a few minutes passed,
Just passed an hour is what my watch showed.
Hearing her voice, supporting my decree,
I felt the weight on my shoulders release.
With the warmth of a hug and parted words,
I held back tears, seeing only a blur.
I walked the same steps back to my office,
Seeing fragments of my years strewn throughout.
Many memorable moments filled my brain,
I sensed this wasn’t a dream I woke up to.
Every item has a story to tell,
Each object has an untold tale to share.
My degrees quenched my thirst for knowledge,
The myriad of books kept me learning.
Seeing my large Curious George collection,
Signifying innate curiosity.
Rekindling a firm gentle reminder,
Be the child who remains curious.
There is thoughtful notes and heartfelt messages,
Along with gifts received over the years.
With the remainder of mix-n-match stuff,
Inviting guests in getting to know me.
When I leave the office, my final time,
I feel tears stream down my eyes to my cheeks.
With no more tissue, I let the tears flow,
Hearing whispers, how real men don’t cry.
Upon closing the door of this chapter,
I leave with my head held high and stand proud.
There will always be a why in all I do,
Even when the Y won’t always be seen.
As I strategize for my next chapter,
I accepted my past without regret,
I handled my present with confidence,
I will face my future without a fear.
I gather my thoughts, dust my memories,
I peruse through years of photo albums,
I scan through many handwritten letters,
Then when I’m ready, I’ll begin writing.
Knowing I am better green and growing,
Then turning red, only to ripen and rot.
In time, just as those parting before me,
I will become another faceless name.
Reflecting my over forty-year journey,
It’s not what I have in life that mattered,
It’s the lives I impacted and inspired,
And those who left their footprint in my heart.
8 comments:
Actually real men do cry and you, my friend, are a remarkable man who has touched the lives of more individuals than could ever be counted! Your dedication to the YMCA and the commitment you have to making a difference in the lives of others is beyond commendable! Once again, you have written a very touching blog!
Such a wonderful expression Robert! It is always quite a powerful thing to be vulnerable. I enjoy your poetry!!
Congratulations Robert! You have always shown yourself as a true servant leader. What a career!
The YMCA is not the Y without you! I was lucky to get to know you and talk to you! Blessings for the future! You deserve the BEST! 🙌 Remember you can always go back and Volunteer! The Y loves Volunteers!! Enjoy your retirement!!!😊😘
I’ve known you for nearly 40 years, since what was it 1986, 1987 maybe.
I cannot for the life of me think of anyone more dedicated to what they do and the people they serve than you.
You’ve made such a difference in people’s lives through that dedication, through that drive, through that sense of mission.
Anyone would be happy to do even half of what you’ve done to make a difference in your communities. You do it because you care.
You deserve retirement. But, knowing you, retirement does not mean rest.
I’m sure you’ll be off doing something else to make some positive difference, being involved in someway. Standing still, it just isn’t in you. I look forward to hearing more about what you choose next.
You, are one of a kind.
Love you, brother.
Blessings to you! You deserve this! Thank you for always being a resource for me and looking out! Many of your work ethics I’ve taken with me in my own career. You helped shaped me being young and new to the professional world. I work to ensure I have a little bit of Robert in me. Which is a person folks can trust and go to to help them not only thrive but grow. I pray you enjoy your retirement .
Your descriptions made me feel as though I was there beside you! Like I had experienced this myself! I was fortunate to stand alongside as you began your career at the Y, barely more than a child yourself, but already so steady, patient and compassionate. “Non-cash dividends” is brilliant!! “I am better green and growing” is my favorite line! I can’t wait to see what you do next! You’re a fantastic writer, Rob, and I look forward to the next steps you take.
Robert, I’ve known you for nearly 40 years and I have never met anyone as dedicated what they do and the people they serve as you.
You embody the YMCA mission and all the wonderful things that organization stands for. You have so much to be proud of, you have left such a wonderful legacy and have done so much good for so many people.
I am so proud of you and I’m so honored to call you, my friend and my brother.
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