Here we are, week 52 into Jeff’s Rotary year and since the beginning of June I have had the Mickey Mouse Club ending song ringing in my ear. “Now it’s time to say goodbye, to all our company…”
This is the last article I will be writing for you. The last time that I will have the chance to share some insight. The last time that I get to say Thank you. Jeff’s step down was exactly as I planned, full or camaraderie. I had planned an evening where Jeff was able to say thank you to his club and to everyone who shared the evening with us for the opportunity to be of service a second time. The Rotary year theme was “Be the Inspiration” and Jeff decided that his second term would be exactly this. Jeff’s goal had been to be the bridge between the traditions of yesterday and inspiring the youth for the club’s tomorrows. It wasn’t easy but I think he pulled it off! When we sat down last May and Jeff told me of what had been planned, I knew I would need to be supportive and involved. What I didn’t know was that I would find a Rotary family.
Some have asked if I was ready for the year to be over but as you know, I found myself being sad. Why sad? Well, I was sad because we had a few things that we just could not get to. For 52 weeks, I proudly represented a wonderful group of people and supported my beloved. Although we kept hearing that more activities were needed to be planned and new things explored, we found our real challenge to be attendance. I know we all lead busy lives but I still think that if we really want to be involved, we can be. I have said that if I could find time, it was possible for others to do too. The 52 weeks have not been easy for me. I have dealt with all the challenges of a growing business, my parents health, my pups cardiac issues, my client’s needs, community service, and of course maintaining a healthy relationship with my husband. I leave the 52 weeks having met and gotten to know Ventura Rotary East members by working along side them. I am sad because now it is time to see if what was planted in Jeff’s year, will bear fruit for many years to come.
My challenge to you as I walk beside Jeff off into the new year is this: be involved. Go out and support the many local activities I hear are planned for next year. Ask how you may be of service and then follow through and act. Thank you all for indulging me this past year. Thank you for reading my crazy article and for giving me feedback.
“So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight….”
