Milestone Moments

When you think about the many different chapters in our lives, one can quickly reminisce about those that brought us much joy and how for a period of time, we did not want to turn the page and close that chapter. Those instances that were filled with much growth, happiness and fulfillment live on with us well after that segment closed and we hope to revisit another one similar to that in the future. The joyful milestone moments that were created, provided us with many smiles that can quickly take us back to that euphoric feeling where we radiated in that light which felt positive and full of energy. When I recall those joyful periods, they were filled with new beginnings, perhaps a new birth of a baby or the formation of a new relationship that added considerable value to us. I recall the feeling when I graduated from high school and knowing I had been accepted to a college in the fall, which provided me with so many hopes and dreams. Then graduating from college, was yet another wonderful landmark that was filled with accomplishment, pride and the yearning for what awaited me in the world of work. As the oldest of five siblings, I can vividly recall the births of all my brothers and sisters and how the family was abuzz with the addition of a newborn to our expanding family. Also, the day that I was able to buy my first car was a thrill and driving for a common errand became exhilarating, as I recall the new car smell when getting into it. The purchase of a home was also filled with much apprehension in the time it took to find the right place and all of that paperwork with banks, loan agents and title companies that was hard to understand, yet provided me with a huge smile from ear to ear when it was completed. I am sure many of you can think of many other examples that would fit into this arena. For me, one of the newest milestones is getting to the conclusion of a career that I have loved for so long, even through all of its ups and downs over the course of time. Recently, I arrived at this decision as I told people that I kept hearing the whispers from God, in particular in the middle of the night and they kept getting louder and louder. I have been contemplating what this would be like for many years before, however, getting to the reality of the moment was a different feeling. When I look back at what I was able to accomplish, I can find similar milestones in that timeline that provide me with more opportunities to beam at what was done through the course of hard work and dedication. It made me think about the legacy that I leave behind and again how proud I am of those who will continue on with the great work ahead. This coming July after attaining 34 years of state service this past month, I plan to retire.  Although the decision was a long time in coming, I truly feel a sense of a different happiness in knowing that I was given the privilege to arrive at this stage. There are many friends and work family colleagues that were made over this span of time that I have been working and I always thought that this chapter was so far down the road. Yet, here I am and completely filled with much gratitude for the opportunity to have served in different capacities helping the many people in need through out the communities that we served.  I believe that the processing of all of this will still need more time and there is another smile that comes to my face in knowing that although I loved this chapter, the story is not over. New ventures await me and with that some quality time spent with my family as we get to explore new places with a bit less apprehension in knowing that I don’t have to rush to go back to work at the conclusion. There are so many of you out there that have been part of my journey and I am completely grateful for all of the wonderful people that have crossed my path over the years. I am forever appreciative of the many instances where we got to exchange thoughts, ideas, conversations and laughter as well. With that said, I would like to say “Gracias” to all of you who were part of my journey. I look forward with great anticipation as the next chapter evolves and the new writing of it begins with the next steps after this conclusion.  I continue to wish everyone of you much happiness, joy, laughter along with ongoing health, so that we can continue to see each other down the road.  

“We have reached milestones that are far beyond what I expected.”

-J-Hope