December 13, 2024
This is the unabridged copy of my final e-mail I sent out as a YMCA of South Florida staff member to all of our staff.
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From: Robert W. Kovacs <rwkovacs@ymcasouthflorida.org>
Date: December 13, 2024 at 4:32:10 PM EST
To: Robert W. Kovacs <rwkovacs@ymcasouthflorida.org>
Subject: Closing this Chapter of My Journey
Dear YMCA family and friends,
As many of you know, today marks my last day as an employee at the YMCA of South Florida after just over 40 years. It’s been bittersweet, emotional roller coaster of emotions. From the moment I decided to retire, I’ve experienced plenty of happy tears, sad smiles and with a small dose of fear or doubt (not sure which) if I was doing the right thing. The worst part of this whole experience, it felt all too surreal and then when I least expected it, it became all too real, all too quick.
When I reflect on my incredibly blessed journey I’ve had here at the YMCA. Most of you only know me as the guy who gets you paid, or simply “the payroll guy” or something along those lines but not the storyteller or some say a historian of our YMCA.
Not only is the number of years I’ve been here unheard of and unbelievable in today’s work world, more than 60% of you weren’t even born when I first started on July 1, 1984.
I’ve seen many friends get married, some have children and experienced a few losses too, coupled with the health issues both my father faced as he got closer to his retirement years and unfortunately passed away before he could enjoy his remaining years with my Mom taking easy and living their best life. Now, I’m seeing my Mom face health issues and will stand by her and support her throughout, just as I did with my Dad. I was truly blessed by having awesome parents and it’s my turn to return the favor.
Despite what went on personally, the YMCA, even with our staff changing, was my only constant in my life. The YMCA provided me the security and perhaps the only constant in my life when I needed it the most. It felt like a time warp of an odd sense as outside the walls of the YMCA I’ve seen many people come and go not just within the YMCA but my own life. As you leave your footprints, you will never know until you have your own Boogerface or Paige come into your life and then decades pass by and see them make a 180. Then when you least expect it, they return to you as an adult, thanking the YMCA and you for being that one stable piece in their lives when everything in their world was thriving in a chaos.
I will always cherish the experiences and relationships built here. Many of you have become very good friends and some of you have even become my extended family. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow both professionally and personally. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the YMCA movement and grateful to be able to remain in contact with many of them to this day. Together, we’ve faced and overcame many challenges, celebrated even more successes and created a lifetime of lasting memories.
I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with many of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated successes, and created lasting memories. I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained during my time here. I am most appreciative for the immeasurable opportunities presented to me, the knowledge and many various experiences I gained. I probably would not have had such opportunities if I jumped around jobs and organizations as many of my friends have. From the number and variety of positions in aquatics, summer camp, youth services care (early childhood, school-age, middle/high school programs), membership to the various positions in administration I held in grant administration, human resources, payroll, benefits, YUSA/DCF trainer, fundraising/special events, IT and creating our first website back in 1999 there was no need to change companies to seek other opportunities to be challenged.
I want to extend my heartfelt and special thanks to each of you for your support, sharing your stories and listening to mine, the memories we’ve created and those we shared. Your camaraderie and collaboration have made my time here truly special. As I continue to look back at this great journey, I am beyond thankful and fortunate to the countless who have come and gone throughout the years and our current staff who are part of my journey today. No matter how short or long a walk you shared with me, its what each of you contributed to making my journey here a rewarding one. Each of you has contributed to making my journey here a rewarding one. As for me it’s not what I have in life that mattered, it’s the lives I impacted and the ones I inspired.
…and those who left their footprint in my heart while I laid my legacy.
While I’m excited about my new chapter ahead, I will always cherish the experiences and relationships built here. I hope we can remain in touch not just for a moment in time but for a life time. I’d love to hear from you and how you are doing and all the wonderful, craziness of what many of us have dubbed our Y stories, “As the Y Turns.” My e-mail is rwkovacs@me.com or you can find me on Facebook or come join me for an early morning workout at Hollywood or Hallandale.
Just because I left the stories don’t end here, they’re just the beginning, as I still have decades of material to pull from.
With warmest regards and wishing you all continued success, happiness and many great achievements! Happy Holidays!
My best wishes and regards,
Robert
aka the Payroll Guy or the guy in the Y shirt…
P.S. Cheers, with your choice of a beverage and those of you who have known me for the duration, I’ll toast you with a rum and diet/coke zero.
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