Thursday, May 7, 2009

For those gifts of human kindness, I will always be grateful!

Tomorrow I will be driving away from Uplands after ten years spent in this lovely part of the world with some of the best people on earth. As I prepare for that bittersweet drive away, I simply want to express to the staff and residents some of my personal thoughts at the end of this experience for me. Above all, I want to say thank you, sincerely, to all staff and residents who have made this experience one of the most fulfilling of my career.

When I arrived in December, 1998, I did so with one purpose in mind, that was to do all I could to serve the staff and residents. Several opportunities arose out of that goal. I completed my B.S., promoted to Director of HR, completed an A.I.T. and was given the challenge of culture change coordinator. Several chores were imbedded in the culture change role. We needed to rebuild the trust in one another. We needed an intense growth/education plan. More than anything, we needed a dream, a strategy to realize the dream, and the confidence that we can succeed in all that we do.

Some of these culture change chores have been accomplished, and some have only been started. But I assure you that there is a spirit in the Uplands community, at Wharton and among staff and residents, that this is a culture change on the move.

In these ten years I have enjoyed more true friendships and warm relationships than I ever would have expected. I have tried to give to Uplands, but at every turn I end up receiving more than I give. For those gifts of human kindness, I will always be grateful! Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Today's song
My Way - Elvis