in my rearview...

...I watched the lights of Queen Creek fade into the distance. And then my eyes started to water.

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I posted about the day of days? At the end of it, I talked about how beauty came from the pain and not in the way I expected. I had a good day that day in the face of the sadness I had in my soul, but I couldn't divulge the details about why or how it was a good day.

I guess now I should share. Sit back for show and tell, blog friends.

Back in October, when I was still off the blogging radar, an incredible opportunity to advance my career with the Boys & Girls Club presented itself. The person in my position at a large club had been promoted, so his position opened up. I had a feeling this person (hi Mark!) was going to get the promotion. I knew that would mean his job would open up. And then I paused. Thought about the implications for me. For my current club. For the community I serve. All that to say that well before the opportunity presented itself, I had time to consider the what ifs. What if it did?

When the position posted, I sent in my resume and letter of interest the same day. It was too good to pass up.

Two months and two interviews later, on the day of days, I heard the magic words.

"We would like to offer you the position."

I said yes 2.5 miliseconds later. Lots of happy celebrating followed, but all on the inside. I had to keep my mouth shut about the big move until the official announcement went out five very long days later.

Fast forward to yesterday.

Yesterday was my last full day as the Branch Executive in Queen Creek. It was a good day, and it was raining all afternoon. I found myself with watery eyes when I didn't expect them. The strange thing is that the kids didn't seem all that broken up about me leaving. I guess it won't really sink in for them until next week when I'm really not there. Either that or they really won't miss me. I think it's the former based on the art the kids made for me to take to my new office.

After Club hours, I went back to my office and started to pack up my things. And then I sat there and stared at the walls for close to an hour to make sure I got everything. Plus I couldn't bring myself to get up and leave. Then it would be real. I took care of random things to postpone my leaving, like changing my email signature and organizing drawers and cabinets. I found a lot of random things I had forgotten about, too. Two boxes of stuff and two hours later, I finally hoofed it out of the office and started to drive home.

It wasn't until I was on my way out of Queen Creek watching it from my rearview mirror that I started to cry. Nothing dramatic or over the top. Just a little wetness in my eyes as I was mourning the end of a really great chapter in my life. I have a lot of memories in Queen Creek, and I look forward to making more in Gilbert.

New year, new job, new opportunities. I guess I should stop looking back and face forward.