Celebration

There is a lady in our neighborhood who takes a morning walk around the neighborhood and pond and picks up trash. It is a quiet, discreet and humble way to make a small difference. The persistent work of this lady makes a difference in the beautification of our neighbor and is a wonderful community service.

It feels like the occupations I choose of social work and therapist are much like the intent of our neighbor lady. What we do is not glamorous or flashy and the small steps of helping others find their way towards balance and peace can overall be a humble service.

Today I celebrate and say goodbye to a 43 year career of service. It has not always been easy or exciting. There were many hard and difficult days but this career did allow me what I wanted most of a career choice - a feeling of personal growth.

The past 43 years have been spent at Grafton State School, Lake Region Human Service Center, West Central Human Service Center, Emmons County Social Services, Golden Manor, Napoleon Care Center, Wishek Hospital, Linton Medical Center, Ashley Medical Center, Logan County Social Services, North Dakota Department of Human Services, Southeast Human Services Center, 360 Therapy Associates and finally Jennifer Schumacher Counseling Services. That is a lot of agencies, many wonderful coworkers and hundreds of clients.

Today after work, I will celebrate with family and friends and we will see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks so much for coming on the 25 Wednesdays journey with me! I’ll try to write an epilogue in a few months—assuming I can remember how to spell “epilogue” by then. If not, I might just post a series of interpretive dance videos instead. Stay tuned!

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