Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Prickett's In The Rear View Mirror

Today was my last day of employment at the best job I have ever had in life.  I don't know how it came to be that it took over 30 years to work with such hard working, patient, accepting, bright, fun, strong and loving people.  I was very lucky to have had the chance to work and thrive this summer in the company of a small band of humans who treat others as they wish to be treated. The Golden Rule is still alive and well at Prickett's.

Truthfully, the people of Prickett's Nursery held up the mirror of their fine selves in order to reflect all that I had missed within myself that is as grand, as kind and as fun loving.  Prickett's showed me the best of myself by teaching without judgment, working hard together to serve others, tirelessly supporting and encouraging one another and laugh and care for one another.  I am blessed.

Leaving Prickett's is the hardest change that I have made and yet, I leave with my head held higher and my heart so very full because I feel special and I feel loved.

Funny how people can sneak up on you if you are expecting the worst.  In fact, I came to Prickett's broken and afraid having left another job a few months previously.  I had been harassed and treated in a hostile manner by my Supervisor for reasons I still cannot fathom and I flinched at anyone coming near me.  I was angry and edgy as I entered the Prickett's Outdoor Sales crew on the busiest weekend of the summer.  For me, I did my best to put on my party face each day and some days it was hard to reflect a positive attitude that was genuine because of the harassment I had lived through.

However, as the days and weeks of this summer wore on and I began to feel more confident, reveling in the openness of that corner location, working hard in the sunshine and finding a way to fit in and learn about my fellow nursery workers, I began to heal.  I began to heal without knowing that I was changing.  I began to feel a part of something simple and sweet.  I began to feel appreciated.  I found a communion with many customers and I often saw neighbors and old friends as the nursery became a stage for helping others create their gardens.  Prickett's became my touchstone and my fellow workers became my clan.

I am moving forward to pursue new opportunities and try to make more money.  It was achingly difficult to end my job at Prickett's and yet, I do so with a sense of myself that reflects who I am instead of who I am not.  I am deeply grateful and honored to have had the chance to know such lovely people in my life.  Thank you Prickett's.  In the rear view mirror I see you waving at me and I am crying my way down the street waving back. I will miss you all terribly.  You are amazing.