My deepest thanks to all of you who shared memories of our
last 12 years either on the blog, an email to me personally, or in the many cards
I’ve received from you. You have made me smile, made me tear up, and made me
laugh about things I had forgotten.
I asked that we not do any “good bye” tour because I am not really
leaving, but simply changing my seat. I still intend to be fully engaged in
watching over this family at Children’s Specialized Hospital and know there
will be continued success.
Many of you know I have analogies or expressions that have
been affectionately known as “Amyisms.” Some of the favorites are…
“The juice isn’t
worth the squeeze” – meaning, if you are making fresh orange juice, there
are times that the amount of effort is just not worth it.
Or “That dog won’t
hunt” – meaning no matter how hard you try, there are no natural instincts
and we should stop trying to make a dog do something they just can’t do.
My analogy for my departure came in a conversation with Pat
O’Hanlon (Family Faculty, NB), when she asked me if I was excited about going
to my new position.
I told her it was like when I got married. I was so excited
about being married, and truly couldn’t wait to the start the next chapter of
my life, But I honestly struggled when it came to leave my parents.
See, I knew that marriage was the natural next step and I
would still be close to them (10 miles away), but it still broke my heart to
pack my things and leave their home. I also knew that no matter what happened,
I would always have my home there. The place I grew up and the place that I knew
I would always find love. And although that place would be different, it would
always welcome me back.
That is how I feel as I pack my last boxes.
Children’s Specialized
Hospital will always be home. You taught me to be hospital CEO and more
importantly you taught me to be a better person. Each day you come here with
hope, courage, and expertise that you offer freely to our children and your
colleagues.
To lead a full life, it requires us to be vulnerable; to let
people into our heart and to give ourselves over completely to help find joy in
sadness, healing in illness, and hope in despair.
No matter where I go,
CSH will always be home.
It has been my honor to work side by side each of you. I
wish each of you continued success and my heartfelt thanks to all of you for
letting me part of this amazing family.
Until we meet again,
Amy
