Yesterday the sergeant read a letter from our recently retired records deputy. I had gotten a chance to read it before swing shift came on and I almost cried. I almost cried again when the sergeant read it to us.
Dale wrote a very wonderful letter, first thanking everyone for the potluck, then going on about his years with the department. He’s keeping all the cards and gifts and in the future will share them with his grandsons, to share with them his time with us.
Of course, what got me was the personal thanks he gave to me for the pictures and the website. I felt so honored by the mention. I almost cried at that moment. When I first read it, I had to stop because I didn’t want to start bawling at my desk. Shucks!
I want to say this, Dale is a class act. The reason he got such a beautiful send-off is because *he* is a beautiful person. He worked hard, kept an even demeanor (even in the face of total idiocy and stupidity), and he treated everyone with respect. He is one of the best men I have known in my life and he was certainly the best at work. All that knowledge now retired. Alas! But I respect Dale and I keep trying to tell myself to follow his example at work. Sometimes it’s hard not to vent though…
Anyhoo, I’m very happy for him. He gets to enjoy his retirement with a working mind. I wish him and his family all the very best…
