A 2nd Family

Today we had to say goodbye to a colleague. This woman has been our project leader for the past 3 years and in that time became so much more than merely a boss. She became a friend. Although her reasons for moving on are noble and will ensure a better life for her family (she and her husband and her kids will finally get to live in the same state) we will miss her dearly.

This got me thinking about how work is a funny place. We spend more time at work and with our co-workers than we do with our own family. We come to work everyday and spend eight (sometimes more) hours a day with complete strangers. We may try to keep our distance but the dynamics of the workplace demand that they not remain total strangers. We are simply forced into relationship with these people like it or not. Sometimes we get lucky and make friends at work and sometimes... well, we're not so lucky. Still none of that matters because, just like family, you don't have much choice. These co-workers, in a sense, must become members of your 2nd family. It may be a dysfunctional, oh-god-please-stop-sharpening-your-pencils-or-I'll-shove-them-where-the-fluorencent-lights-don't-shine! 2nd family but a family nonetheless.

My colleague (and friend) cried when she told us of her impending departure. Heck, we all cried! This was one of the good ones and we didn't want to let her go away. We've hidden from this moment by immersing ourselves in a bittersweet flurry of party planning, gift buying and contact information exchanging. But now the hour is upon us and we must say our farewells, shake hands and promise to keep in touch. We must let go of one who has touch us deeply.

Today we said goodbye to a friend who was also our colleague and we will miss her dearly.