It is starting to become more public knowledge that I will have my last full day of employment at CoxHealth on December 22nd of this year. I will work a few hours after the new year to assist with some planning time with the Cox Leadership. With this end in sight I have been giving a lot of thought and time to reflecting on my nearly 24 years as a Cox employee.

Reflection #1

I have been thinking about and in some ways anticipating this ending for some time, and yet as the day approaches I find myself in an interesting place. Not sad and not excited. I guess the best description of my feelings is “content”. I am not leaving something I don’t like, quit the contrary. I did not accomplish every thing I would have hoped to, but as a Nike ad I once saw said, “there is no finish line!” I believe for the most part I gave it my best. I have been given so many opportunities to learn, explore ideas, and make some marks along the way for which I am grateful

Reflection #2

I will miss many great people. I have loved watching folks lives unfold as we have worked together. All the chapters of life that I have shared with so many has been unforgettable. I do look a lot older – don’t really feel that much older than my first day at Cox;…….. But……we have done life together in a big way and the chapters are written on my heart, I am blessed.

Reflection #3

Memorable moments — the first Baby Affair, the then new Breast Care Clinic, the smoke shacks, Christmas decoration, the Great Flush, many floods – I seemed to always be there when the water broke loose, the leadership car wash, turkey days, pasta days, turning Plaza I into Wheeler, a birthday cake that set off the smoke alarm in the cafeteria, goose pooh, and many unmentionable………

Reflection #4

There was a day when working at Cox became more than a good job, it became a passion, it was something I had not experienced before nor really expected. I realized how intertwined my life and my families lives were with Cox. The birth place of my daughter, my grandfather’s last day on earth was at Cox South, my kids had their broken bones and accidents fixed in the ED, my neighbors and friends depended on it for care. I have wanted Cox to be the best place possible to receive care, and to that end I will finish my time working for just that. It has been an amazing journey and the opportunity to have a job that at the core of the work it is to care for people at the most vulnerable and eventful time of their lives.

There is more in my heart, probably need to keep it there for now.