Retirement Poem

Ode to Janeene

Judicious in judgment, you are drawn to for advice,

Accomplished in your work, because you paid the price.

Nourishing in times of need is part of who you are,

Encouraging staff and students to reach for every star.

Esteemed by those around you for all you do each day, 

Noteworthy in how you figure out problems in your way.

Exemplary human being, showing pride in all you do, 

Simply put, there will never be another "Janeene" like YOU!

I know we’ve joked around a lot these past few weeks about how I’m the “new you” or the “new Janeene,” but truth be told, the more time we spend together, the more I know I could never fill your shoes!

You are leaving behind a wonderful legacy of dedicated service and I hope all the admin assistants for the next 22 years hear about how scheduling was done on a ginormous sheet of paper, because I will pass on your stories to the next generation.

Thank you Janeene, not only for all you taught me in Banner, but for all you showed me through your example. You wear your heart on your sleeve and I know you will do much good in your well-deserved retirement.

I hope you always feel welcome back in HCC 465 and drop by for visits often.  I wish you all the best.

Your friend,

~Jenn

The Rest of the Story

When we left Wyoming, I was heartbroken for a long time. I missed the people, the tight-knit sense of community, and those beautiful big horn mountains. I also missed my job. I was my youngest daughter’s elementary school librarian for about a year and a half before we moved. I never knew my heart could expand so far and wide, fitting all those chubby cheeks, curious minds, and sticky hands inside.

It wasn’t until I finally secured a job in this new and unfamiliar place that my heart began to heal. I was one of the lucky ones. Not many, if any, got the chance to train with their predecessor. Thankfully, I was blessed with four whole weeks with one special lady who had been in the position for over 22 years.

Janeene and I became fast friends, which was easy to do. She is genuinely concerned about everyone who crosses her path. Looking back at the above poem, I am amazed at how well I came to know her in the short time we spent together. Fast forward four years and the poem still rings true today. Janeene and I have stayed in touch since her retirement. She is still as interested in my family and life now as she was back then. Sometimes we go to lunch with a few of her good friends from campus, but often it’s just the two of us.

I’m not sure if Janeene realizes the important part she played in my life during a difficult transition. She made me feel welcomed, loved, valued and needed. The place where I landed no longer felt empty, strange and cold. I finally found “my people” in this new place called home.

Have you ever faced a difficult move or transition in your life? Has someone reached out in kindness to you in your time of need? Tell us your story in the comments below.