Good Luck Pooh!

Last Friday was Pooh's final day of work at the polytechnic.

We've been colleagues turned-good-friends for almost 3 years, and much as I was happy for her that she'd managed to secure a job in the midst of the gloomy economy, I was a little sad to see her go. But deep down inside, I know she's been dragging her feet to work and yearning to head back to the industry.

Although she'd given a 3 month notice period, it was only during the last few weeks when it really dawned on me that I'll be losing the occasional breakfast/lunch buddy. Besides, I'm lousy at farewells and I hadn't given it much thought because I figured that with MSN, Facebook, emails and SMS there's no reason why we can't keep in touch.

Strangely, it's been barely a week since she's left the workplace and I'm already reeling from her absence. We didn't share the same office room, so there were days we didn't meet each other (especially during term time when our teaching schedules clash). But now that she's physically moved away, I miss her infectious laugh and morning-coffee-deprived sullenness.

Pooh's been a wonderful friend and confidante, and she was truly supportive during my 3rd pregnancy when I was my worst enemy and she provided the much-needed listening ear as I moaned and groaned about the wretched state I was in etc. I was terrible company then - I know, because I didn't like being around myself either.

But she was super patient and allowed me to grumble and complain about everything that irked me. Having endured 2 pregnancies herself, she must have remembered what it was like to be hormonally imbalanced, emotionally drained and physically exhausted! Not to mention the covert "Operation Chocolate" which she devised to keep me from going insane during my confinement period. :)

I've always admired her for her astonishing mental strength to put on a brave front even when her world was crumbling. I don't think I'd have the courage to withstand the pressure and agony of what she's been through all these years, and I applaud her for her determination to fight fiercely for what she passionately believes in. It takes a strong person to survive such challenges and in that, I salute her.

Before she left, she handed me a card and a "goody bag" which contained chocolates (all consumed, of course) and these two gifts:

The gifts weren't fancy, but they reflect her personality and sense of humour. And they're perfect for me!

I will miss her.

While writing this, I realised that I don't even have a photo of us! The only picture in my possession was sent by Miss Ene, and it's a really funny one of us (our backs, actually) looking through Miss Ene's wedding photos during the dinner banquet:

Hilarious, eh? Such a classic shot of "busybody aunties" ;)

"A friend is a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a heart to comfort" - that's Pooh for you.

Good luck, my friend!