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Wells: Finding the right words for ‘goodbye’
There are many ways to say goodbye, and Google’s search algorithm suggests such alternatives as adieu, bye-bye, Godspeed, adios and cheerio.
But regardless of your chosen expression or language, goodbyes are often tricky. As I prepare to depart as the executive director of the Putnam County Community Foundation later this month, I find myself struggling to find the words that match my sentiments.
This final column represents my feeble attempt to do just that.
Serving in the role of Putnam County Community Foundation executive director has been life-changing for my family and me. I’ve always tried to prioritize service to others, and my time at the Community Foundation has empowered me to make a career out of service. It has helped me discover the core needs of my adopted home state of Indiana, and more importantly, the many ways I can help.
The philanthropic spirit of Hoosiers can leave one feeling that no obstacle is insurmountable, and I will hold onto that feeling in my future endeavors.
Serving alongside an incredible group of board and committee members that inspire me each day has been a blessing. The many hours they work to help improve lives in Putnam County, in addition to their careers and busy lives, is something I never take for granted, and I sure hope you never will either.
Thank you for being so patient, passionate, and always making me and my family feel welcomed.
I haven’t had a single day on the job where I failed to have a memorable conversation with a generous donor. Fundraising can sometimes be a challenging task, but the people of Putnam County, with their giving spirit, can make a development officer feel like a real pro. From organizing a “Share the Dream” campaign to bolstering your favorite scholarship endowment, you have demonstrated time and time again that you will do everything in your power to help your community.
You are what makes the Community Foundation an incredible place to work. It has been my honor to serve you and your favorite cause. Thank you for everything.
To my teammates that I get to work with each day, I wouldn’t want to do this thing called philanthropy with anyone else. I have learned countless lessons from you while you go about your selfless approach to your jobs. The Foundation and the entire county are lucky to have you working on their behalf, and I am proud to call each of you a friend. I know you will continue this vital mission and take the Foundation to unprecedented levels of success. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
Instead of saying goodbye, or any of the synonyms, I choose to say, “see you later.” The finality of goodbye isn’t agreeable with my heart’s desire to always care for and know the fine people of Putnam County that I’ve befriended. But “see you later” says that I’ll be watching, visiting, praying for you and still advocating on your behalf.
So, see you later, Putnam County.
Seriously, I mean it.