Goodbyes are never easy.I've struggled for weeks with what to say in this article. I've accepted a position with the Department of Transportation. November 16th was my last day with VIP.

While writing this article, my son and I watched an episode of Friends, that ever-popular show about six friends living in New York.

As I sat there with my son and thought about my years with VIP, I was reminded of all the similarities with my favorite sitcom. Sure, there are many more than six members in my cast of characters and none of us take the subway to get to work, but for the last three years, all these lives have been joined in some fashion. New friendships have developed, and old friendships have grown stronger. I've witnessed people overcome challenges and achieve what seemed impossible. I have met so many phenomenal people from all walks of life and with so many stories.

Being part of VIP has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The people who are involved with VIP, whether as mentors, mentees, or staff are some of the most dedicated, kind, and passionate people I have met. This has been the first time in all of my 20-year work history that I felt passionate about what I was doing.

My life with VIP has been both as viewer and cast member. The show will continue without me, and it will be the same show, possibly even better. The role isn't changing, it's just going to be played by a different actor. I had the opportunity to meet the applicants for the position of VIP Sacramento/Yolo Program Director. They were wonderful candidates, and I feel confident that my successor will do a magnificent job. I know you will all make this new person feel as welcomed as you made me feel.

And as I feebly try to plunk out these words of farewell, the tears are beginning to escape. I want to thank everyone who has touched my life over the last three years, and made this a time of not only witnessing friendship, love, and growth, but also experiencing my own friendships, love, and growth because of the people who had roles in the multiple and varied episodes of my VIP life.

If you are interested in learning more about VIP, or would like to become a VIP mentor, please contact VIP Sacramento by phone at 916.324.4141, ext. 259, by email at vip-sacramento@ vipmentors.org, or visit the VIP website at vipmentors.org. A new VIP Program Director takes office in December!

January / February 2006