RETIREMENT -- FIRST COMES THE SPEECH "The Tapestry of My Life" -- 2012"

The following is a speech I gave at my retirement party on November 30, 2012.  I thought it was "just a speech" but apparently, much to my surprise, it touched the hearts of many of my coworkers.  When I finished the speech and looked out into the audience, tears were in everyone's eyes!!   Not sure why, may not want to know.  Now I'm sharing it with the rest of the world.

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The newspaper ad said, "Clerk Typist, 20 hours, City of Burnsville."  The job sounded perfect.  We had just moved into a new house with a new daughter and I wanted to stay home part time and raise her.  That was 23 years ago and today it feels like it was 23 seconds ago.

As I look out at all of your faces, each one of you brings a memory to me:

• Perhaps we crossed paths in Park Maintenance, or during another time in our lives.
• Perhaps we worked together in Police Records
• Maybe you were a reluctant CSO who helped me in the property room and still to this day laugh about the fun we had.
• Perhaps you worked with me two nights straight cleaning up the debris from the "new roof."
• Maybe you were a close friend who brought me jello when I was sick

Whoever you are, you know we are connected by our memories.  What you don't know is how you have enriched my life by your many acts of  kindness, friendship, laughter and support.

Each and every one of you has brought something to my life that if it came in the form of a colored thread would become a large part of what I call,

 "The Tapestry of My Life." 

• When I first started in Park Maintenance, you brought to me "Threads of Security" when my previous employer, professional soccer, had closed their business.

• When I moved over to Police Records, you all brought to me "Threads of Friendship" through our Christmas luncheons, birthday parties and unending support during my illnesses and single parenthood.

• When I was offered the job as Property Evidence Technician,  you brought to me "Threads of Confidence" knowing (or hoping) that I would create new systems and keep the evidence safe.

And then there are the police officers:

• all of you talented people in Investigations.
• The CSI guys and gals with your cool black and white shirts that say, "CSI"!
• The patrol officers who are "always watching over me" (and my speed limit...and my tabs...and my seat belt!)
• The mid watch, the dog watch officers who pass me coming in as I am going home
• The sergeants, the captains, the Chief

You all have brought to me "Threads of Silver and Gold" that give sparkle to my life just by knowing you and working alongside you.

You are my heroes...you are the ones who get up in the morning, get dressed, go to work, save a life...or possibly 20 ... then go home, go to bed, get up the next morning and do it all over again.  You are Exceptional People ... not only in your profession, but also in your heart.

And to finish off the rough edges of this "Tapestry of My Life" are my daughter Kathryn and her dad Peter.  Kathryn has been my Olympic Gold Medal (if I knew how to run!!)... she is my Shining Star.  And Peter has been my source of strength and my friend for 36 years.

I leave you feeling much loved and so proud that I belong to this special family.  I wish you were all my daughters ... I wish you were all my sons.  I will remember you all fondly and hold you close in my heart, for You are now woven permanently into "My Tapestry of Life."


By Barb Goerges, Retired
November 30, 2012