Well...It's Happened
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
July 22, 2011 8:31am CST
Mum just rang me after her last day at work.
Not surprisingly, she's upset BUT she's managed to tell me about her day.
For starters, she's received so many bouquets of flowers she hasn't got enough vases for them. She's received a watch from one of her workmates and the kids (that are leaving) have signed her overall. She's also got some new placemats and matching dinner-plates, something she is chuffed about as hers are "knackered" as she put it.
Upon coming out of her kitchen a strange thing happened. Mum told Debbie (who had kindly given her a lift there and back) that her back door key had been left inside the school. Unfortunately, the key wouldn't work because the lock had slipped, therefore the door could not be opened. Whilst Debbie tried to get in Mum went round the front to ask for a key. There wasn't one so Property Services had to be informed. Whilst there a lady said to Mum.."Aren't you going into Assembly?" but Mum didn't know anything about it.
"I suggest you go in."
So she did, only to be confronted by the Headmaster and a whole load of kids with yet another huge bouquet of flowers. They were showing a video of "achievement" showing a boy with no arms and legs going up and downstairs. "You can achieve anything" was the message but Mum had to leave after a few minutes because she was crying so much.
The thing is, if that lock hadn't bust then she would've been home and not even seen the Headmaster.
Spooky, eh?
Also, it's still up in the air about her finishing. There has been little communication between HR and her boss about her finishing date but, judging by the flowers, etc Mum received, it doesn't look like she'll be back in September.
The Employment Tribunal claim is still ongoing but Mum reckons nothing will come of that, after a conversation with a "snotty" woman on the telephone the other day.
So, there you have it. We were going to pick her up today but it has been pre-arranged to pick her up next Friday instead.
I shall make it my Number One Priority to give her a really nice weekend and to make her laugh as much as possible. I like to hear her laugh.
Poor Mum, that school will be so empty without her.
Not surprisingly, she's upset BUT she's managed to tell me about her day.
For starters, she's received so many bouquets of flowers she hasn't got enough vases for them. She's received a watch from one of her workmates and the kids (that are leaving) have signed her overall. She's also got some new placemats and matching dinner-plates, something she is chuffed about as hers are "knackered" as she put it.
Upon coming out of her kitchen a strange thing happened. Mum told Debbie (who had kindly given her a lift there and back) that her back door key had been left inside the school. Unfortunately, the key wouldn't work because the lock had slipped, therefore the door could not be opened. Whilst Debbie tried to get in Mum went round the front to ask for a key. There wasn't one so Property Services had to be informed. Whilst there a lady said to Mum.."Aren't you going into Assembly?" but Mum didn't know anything about it.
"I suggest you go in."
So she did, only to be confronted by the Headmaster and a whole load of kids with yet another huge bouquet of flowers. They were showing a video of "achievement" showing a boy with no arms and legs going up and downstairs. "You can achieve anything" was the message but Mum had to leave after a few minutes because she was crying so much.
The thing is, if that lock hadn't bust then she would've been home and not even seen the Headmaster.
Spooky, eh?
Also, it's still up in the air about her finishing. There has been little communication between HR and her boss about her finishing date but, judging by the flowers, etc Mum received, it doesn't look like she'll be back in September.
The Employment Tribunal claim is still ongoing but Mum reckons nothing will come of that, after a conversation with a "snotty" woman on the telephone the other day.
So, there you have it. We were going to pick her up today but it has been pre-arranged to pick her up next Friday instead.
I shall make it my Number One Priority to give her a really nice weekend and to make her laugh as much as possible. I like to hear her laugh.
Poor Mum, that school will be so empty without her.2 people like this
10 responses
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
22 Jul 11
Well sounds like she did get many gifts and was shown appreciation, thats good. Im sure she will be lost now if she doesnt go back to work. You might want to tell her that now you'll be able to have her all to yourself lol. I wish Id have some advice for you but my mom never worked, so I dont have any reference. I know hubby was lost when he retired.....not during the summer but it was bad come winter.
Good Luck!!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
Thank you! I'm sure Mum will work something out. When it's nice she can go out in the garden but the winter is a killer, as you say and with her being a Gemini she HATES being bored. I mean, I've found a new hobby now in cooking and it's helped me a lot in keeping me occupied but Mum did that for a living so I guess she will have to think of something else.
Knowing her she will take a homeless person in as a lodger. Keep the neighbours' tongues wagging..who are HIDEOUS by the way, no compassion in them at all!
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
23 Jul 11
Hubby is Gemini also. Well that explains it then!!
Oh thats bad about the neighbors.....they need to have their dirty tongues washed with soap then.
I never pay attention to my neighbors to begin with lol.
Maybe your mom could find a new hobby like painting or showing you how to cook.....that would keep her busy (not meant in a bad way now Janey!!! lol)
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
23 Jul 11
hi janey I will bet she was both thrilled and pleased and scared
and feeling sad at her last day. It comes to us all and for a lot of us who have worked and become one of the work family inormally working suddenly it will hit her oh my gosh no more job, I don't know about this. What the heck am I going to do with my free time now?The school will be empty without your mum and as youts really
hard to leave. then that first day of retirement when wow you do not have to get up early and hurry. You can sit there and enjoy a second cup of coffee. then at the time when she would be 
know shes going to feel empty too without her school.
Mylot saved me from gong bananas or nuts from the retirement blues.for 23 years I got up at 7 dressed ate breakfast caught the bus and was opening the backdoor of the library and shutting off the alarm at ten to Nine am. then suddenly I was finished, was retired like an old used up lady. I got a lovely going away lunch and 300 dollars as going away gift
and I wanted to scream I am still able to do my job. age is just a number.I think there should be part time after retirement jobs for us oldsters who want to still be useful
know shes going to feel empty too without her school.
Mylot saved me from gong bananas or nuts from the retirement blues.for 23 years I got up at 7 dressed ate breakfast caught the bus and was opening the backdoor of the library and shutting off the alarm at ten to Nine am. then suddenly I was finished, was retired like an old used up lady. I got a lovely going away lunch and 300 dollars as going away gift
and I wanted to scream I am still able to do my job. age is just a number.I think there should be part time after retirement jobs for us oldsters who want to still be useful@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Jul 11
I agree.
The thing is, if Mum had been 65 NEXT year the Council wouldn't have been able to get rid of her, due to new legislation coming in this October. This is the bit that frustrates Mum the most.
I don't know if she will find something else as it's difficult to get re-employed once you're 65.
I'm hopeful that something will come of the Employment Tribunal.
I can feel another pray coming on!
The thing is, if Mum had been 65 NEXT year the Council wouldn't have been able to get rid of her, due to new legislation coming in this October. This is the bit that frustrates Mum the most.
I don't know if she will find something else as it's difficult to get re-employed once you're 65.
I'm hopeful that something will come of the Employment Tribunal.
I can feel another pray coming on!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
Well, it's the summer holiday from today so she'd be off for 6 weeks anyway if she was carrying on working. Next weekend I shall see her as she's coming to stay with me for a couple of days. Then I shall go back with her to Blackpool and stay there with her and my Dad for a few days. I reckon this will re-charge her batteries so to speak as I can be a positive influence on her..and vice versa.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
Awww, thanks so much.
At times it's hard for me to be so far away BUT it does make Mum get on with things..do you know what I mean? She's not one for vegetating in a corner, feeling sorry for herself and I'm glad about that. Yes, she's upset but I'm quite sure she will get over it. Next weekend is something for her to look forward to as she'd be coming here anyway, due to it being the summer holidays. I shall go back with her and we shall be as normal as possible. This is the best thing about our relationship..more like friends than mother and daughter.
I reckon something will turn up in the work line for her. No idea what as yet but I can feel it in my water!
At times it's hard for me to be so far away BUT it does make Mum get on with things..do you know what I mean? She's not one for vegetating in a corner, feeling sorry for herself and I'm glad about that. Yes, she's upset but I'm quite sure she will get over it. Next weekend is something for her to look forward to as she'd be coming here anyway, due to it being the summer holidays. I shall go back with her and we shall be as normal as possible. This is the best thing about our relationship..more like friends than mother and daughter.
I reckon something will turn up in the work line for her. No idea what as yet but I can feel it in my water!
@changjiangzhibin89 (16794)
• China
23 Jul 11
What a moving scene !the bouquet of flowers expressed the feelings in which they reluctantly parted with your Mum.I can well iamgine she certainly had mixed feelings about that then.Her mental agony will heal with time,I am the one that have had the experience.Remember me to her,let her take care of herself.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Jul 11
Yes, I'm sure the mental agony will heal with time, too. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@bouncybug (614)
• South Africa
23 Jul 11
Wow, this sounds like such an emotional last day! Your mom obviously made a huge difference in the school, if this is how much everyone is showing how they appreciate her. Whatever the reasons for her leaving, she should feel very proud of herself that she was able to touch so many people's lives in the way she obviously did. hopefully she can find something else to do now that will be as rewarding and give her as much joy!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Jul 11
Well, my Dad couldn't get over it when he walked into the house..flowers, etc everywhere and said exactly what you did!
@GardenGerty (160996)
• United States
22 Jul 11
It is sad that she has to leave, but it is good to know she will be missed. I hope that this closing door means that there will be lots of new doors opening for her.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
22 Jul 11
Hiya Janey,
Good I am glad that they have shown their appreciation towards her after all she had been there for such a long time.
That is a coincidence as you say as well about the Film they were showing.
What she needs now is to sit down and rest awhile and then take it from there whatever she wants to do I wish her good luck.
You can achieve anything you want within reason they are right and I hope she achieves that as well.xxx
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
She has so much to give, even at 65. She will never tire unless she physically has to. In actual fact, Debbie doesn't live far away (and she's actually been really kind towards Mum this week) so I've advised Mum to ring or even go round, if things get too much during the summer holidays, when I'm not there. I can stay for about 2 weeks but not for the whole 6. If she has a back-up system of friends she can rely on, that will help her. My Dad does provide support but he's not as open as me and can't express himself as well as I can..and he's set in his ways too, so won't change his routine for her benefit. This will frustrate Mum for sure but she's intelligent enough to figure out what she can do for herself. She's always been resilient that way.
It doesn't help that her neighbour was all confrontational with her yesterday (after just getting in from work) and if I'd been there I would've punched her on the nose, the insensitive bag!
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
22 Jul 11
Awwh I am sure she is so sad about the departure and will be difficult for her not to be allowed to return back in September. I am glad you will be spending time with her this weekend, so she will not dwell and think too much over the assembly and farewells.
I do hope she gets to return but if not encourage her to do something here forth that she might have wanted to do and perhaps did not get a chance to due to working. I am glad she did get lots of appreciation and recognized her great service there.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
In actual fact she didn't get a proper send-off due to the lack of communication between HR and her boss..so she hasn't officially "gone" but has gone, if you get my drift.
The other day she told me about bringing in loads of sweets for the kids in nursery. That really choked her because they're so cute at that age, crowding round her..getting all excited. She's always had an affinity with children and can tell one off without histrionics. She did this with her own kids all the time!
Fortunately, I am able to go back with Mum after she stays here next weekend. John has often said I can stay as long as I want which is so sweet of him.
The other day she told me about bringing in loads of sweets for the kids in nursery. That really choked her because they're so cute at that age, crowding round her..getting all excited. She's always had an affinity with children and can tell one off without histrionics. She did this with her own kids all the time!
Fortunately, I am able to go back with Mum after she stays here next weekend. John has often said I can stay as long as I want which is so sweet of him.
@hardworker1972 (311)
• United States
22 Jul 11
Awww this is so sweet. Sounds like she was very well loved and respected at the school. We have had many teachers retire lately and I know it's hard to see them go! But now she has the time to explore other interests!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jul 11
I haven't explained this very well..in actual fact Mum was a Unit Manager in the School Kitchen, therefore a Dinner Lady lol. However, she'd been a Dinner Lady for 38 years so I guess it's understandable she's so upset right now.
