And now it's over...

When I left my job at the Supply Center on February 26, I knew I would be going back one more time to receive a service pin and certificate. There had already been a luncheon and a day later a presentation from the department. So I expected I would go to the Captain’s suite and in a little ceremony be handed a pin and a roll of paper. What happened was a bit more.
The command came to ‘our’- the Contracting Department’s - Blue Room and the crowd was out the door. So much for small. The Captain and the Executive Officer showed up in class ‘A’ uniform and the Executive Director in a suit and tie. I had toyed with the idea of simply riding my bike and slipping in that way. Fortunately I decided to wear a suit and tie and Kathy whole heartedly supported the idea and came home to give me a ride in.
Leading up to the presentation, the Captain and I had an impromptu conversation about my history of forty years service to the government. There was a lot of back and forth as he reviewed the various places I’d been and things I’d done during twenty-fives years in the military - US Army – and fifteen years as a civil servant – US Navy. Then the actual presentation of the certificate. Not just a rolled up piece of paper but a beautifully framed certificate signed by the Secretary of the Navy. All that with a photographer taking pictures of smiles and handshakes. Genuine smiles and warm, heart felt handshakes.
Then the Captain stepped back and said, “We want you to say a few words.” So I had my chance to talk about what’s ahead, and more importantly, what the experience and the people had meant to me. After which they gave me a chance to say a final good-bye and thank each person individually. And a lot of hugs. And it started to sink in.
But it wasn’t until the ride home that it finally really hit me. I like people. I really like people. I like talking to people. Sharing experiences with people. Answering questions and sharing knowledge. I will miss that. But more than that, I will miss them. I will miss the individuals. That’s from a person who professes to be without a close friend. I like being close to people. Isn’t that strange?