PAULA

On a very fine day

all tattered and torn

we welcomed her in

whom fate had once scorned.

We dusted her off

then set her to toil

a refreshing new face

for the work to embroil.

Indignities fell

upon the strange voice

so, patience and time

would be her best choice.

Her wit and her charm

would soon reassure

helping folks to succumb

with a trust that endured.

The departure of staff

lead to “Change can be good.”

And from that moment on

it would be understood.

That we were of one mind

as we started anew

to improve on the things

we wanted to do.

So, changes were made

of all different sorts

only now and again

was I asked for my thoughts.

Year after year

grew the volume of care

while giving our best

with the most we could bear.

Business and health

generated their stress

still humor and song

helped ease the duress.

But the jeweled interlude

from clinic vaccines

was the annual feast

of the Flu/Halloween.

At the end of each night

fine music would fade.

We’d muse on life’s twists

with mistakes that were made.

We spoke of our joys

and personal loss

decisions we reached at various costs.

As together we’d leave

it occurred to me then

she was more than my staff

but my very good friend.

That horrid day came with emotional shock

as a mother’s regard

meant a crack in our rock.

She was leaving her state

and forever this place

to journey down south

for futures to face.

A surreal disquietude

would soon come to past,

no longer to hear

that mouthful of sass.

She’ll surely be missed

by friends and by foes.

Our loss is their gain

wheresoever she goes.

A loss so distressed

like the shriek of alarms

akin to the break

of a trusted right arm.

10 years have flown by

were years ever blessed.

Yet words fall for short

of our praise manifest:

Paula, thanx for your help

and thanx for the laughs.

Thanx for the care

of the kids and the staff.

Thanx for your truth

and thanx for support.

Thanx for the warmth

of the kindest of hearts.

Thanx for your fight

and all that you do.

Many lives have been touches

with the presence of you.

So, good luck and farewell

for certain one day

we’ll talk and catch up

for whatever what may.

Indeed, it’ll be great

God willing, I pray

come quickly again

that rather fine……day.