Where do I even start with this?
Well, firstly I want to thank not only the current staff members, but past staff members. Those who are no longer with us, for whatever reason, and those who have hung up their hats and retired among a field of back porches and straw hats. In my time here I have known a great many. Far too many to name individually, through various branches of the Susan's infrastructure. You know who you are. All your hard work and dedication to making a place where people can feel safe, welcome, wanted, appreciated and cared for... is, and was seen, and immeasurably appreciated.
There has been a certain thread running throughout all these people... a good many I have come to consider friends. A certain temperament, quality of spirit, attitude... call it whatever you will. Chief among which is a desire to make this place the best it can be. And that is tempered by a willingness to work tirelessly in order to do that. To dedicate their time to other people, and making sure no one is unheard. That everyone has a voice. And everyone is treated fairly.
I have a small inkling of what life is like on that side of things. I know a bit about how the job can be, and what people sometimes have to deal with. The measure of someone is how they can show their grace under fire, and how they can be an ambassador for this place and everything it stands for. It has been my honour and privilege to have known a lot of folks like that over the years.
Now... onto today.
Lori and Sarah... you ladies are among my best friends. You have a seemingly infinite amount of patience and kindness. Not to mention wisdom. It is a blessing to know both of you and I am glad you are here keeping watch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Danielle... I have known you since you were a whipper-snapper to the site. Your momentum, enthusiasm and drive is, frankly, incredible. If the answer to unlimited energy could manifest in a person... girl, you'd have the whole world after you. Not even kidding. Thank you for being you.
Jessica... you have always had such kindness and grace. Always there with a smile and a kind word for everyone around you. You are like the calm lake when all around feels like raging waterfalls. You exude calm and strength like an aura, and it radiates outwards. Thank you for your guidance and gentleness.
Mariah... you will go out of your way to make sure other people are okay. To make sure no one feels alone, even when sometimes that's all they feel. You are the hug everyone needs, even when they don't know they need it. Thank you for your shoulder to cry on.
Devlyn... ahh, Dev. We've known each other a long time and sometimes the road has been rocky. But you are a straight shooter and I respect that immensely. One always knows where they are with our Dev. You will stand up for anyone and champion those who desperately need it. You are someone who will give everything for what she believes in, and that self same to help other people believe in themselves. Thank you for keeping me honest.
And Susan... I have known you the longest. You have created something incredible. Something that, over the years has become my home, and a home to countless other lost souls. Tirelessly. Welcoming everyone with open arms and a smile. Thank you for taking a chance on a naïve youngster many years ago. It will never be forgotten.
It can be sometimes tiring, sometimes thankless, sometimes hard, sometimes painful, sometimes fun and sometimes wonderful... but it's always a huge privilege and honour to be involved with this place and making sure it remains true to what it stands for.
Thank you to everyone who is, and everyone who was a part of keeping the machinery of Susan's Place running. You will always have my love and gratitude.
