We Have Come Too Far

My Dear Princess and Dear Friends,

Today was kind of a big day. The usual work stuff, of course, plus Xmas slash farewell lunch with Shenée. I arranged that last week for Corrie and Ellie, but when news got around about Shenée's resignation, Jeff and Losi and Hayden jumped in as well. 

And just like yesterday, I was about to go to lunch when...

Here's Jefe and Corrie, clearing up packaging after the delivery of a 98" display*. And... well... DAMMIT!

Fine then. Pass me the cardboard, the polystyrene and the dustbin bag.

I started getting texts from Ellie who was with Shenée. "We've cried already. Expect more."

I eventually made it over there. "STOFFELOPAGOUS!" said Shenée and gave me a huge hug. She was on rare form, full of happiness and zip and with thoughtful gifts for everyone. She also wrote me a lovely card. You can see what she said in the extra. 

We soon got on to her news - she has had two interviews already and it is at a time of year when hiring slows down. We also got on to the subject of talking dogs and Christmas plans.

And Ellie was right, there were more tears. I suspect you may read my entries on Shenée and think it is just me. But I swear it is all of us. So there were tears, speeches**, group hugs, the whole thing.

And then Shenée had to say goodbye and we returned to work, in a bit of a daze. It wasn't just the emotion of the lunch, we are all really tired after a big month of travels and work. Corrie looked like she was dragging herself around the office and I was openly yawning. 

The afternoon continued with an investigation into a faulty camera. As usual, it turned into comedy, and you can see another extra of Jefe, Corrie and I larking about. Finally, we all said goodbye and Merry Xmas and yes, more hugs.

But my day was STILL not over. I then went for a cinema date with Joshua to see "Spider-Man: No Way Home". It was good and I enjoyed it. It was yet another Marvel movie that drew spontaneous applause at some points. Although you DO need to be a Marvel fan or you'll just be puzzled by the enthusiasm.

My journey home was not easy. The train was cancelled halfway through and I had to catch a bus the rest of the way home. I was still thinking about our lunch as I sat on the bus, and found that Ellie had sent me another message:

Tawhiti rawa I tō tātou haerenga atu to kore haere tonu.  
We have come too far to not go further (Sir James Henare).

"It made me think of Shenée," said Ellie.

"Let's never go back," I replied.

S.

* Yes, 98". Makes our 18" tv's from the 1980's look a bit puny, no?

** Ellie delivered this speech:

To my Dearest Shenée,

Well what can I say, the girl with the Horsey pictures above her desk – how can anyone forget Shenée? 

I was just a spring chicken, you took me under your wing. 
Wow, what a wonderful thing!

I got thrown under the bus on my very first day,
When you heard of this, outraged you said NAY!

“Come along darling” you linked your arm with mine. 
I was warm and protected, oh how divine!

From Baddies, to Bullies to people who just have no clue. 
You bundled them up and promptly said SHOO!

You created a place for us all to learn, 
The knowledge you shared gave us opportunities we could earn.

Your relentless nature, kindness and encouragement 
Has given us all rather unexpected nourishment.

We are not where we started nor where we will end.  
You squealed your way into our lives, we call you our friend.

When I heard of your leaving, I was in such distress, 
Oh the tears Shenée! My makeup was a mess.

But I know where ever you go, the seeds you will sow, 
Will blossom something beautiful – always, something wonderful will grow.

Feeling selfish, I truly wish you could stay 
But I can’t keep you for myself for all of the world needs a little bit of Shenée.

Love and hugs,

Eeeeelliieeeeee aka Little Morty xx