My Last Day at DT office

We ordered fast food on my account and Raquel accompanied me to buy ice cream from the Jebel Ali foodcourt as well.

I said goodbye to all my colleagues with the knowledge that it might be the last time I’ll ever see them. I’m not leaving Dubai, but for one reason or another, I know that circumstances might not permit me to see their smiles again.

They surprised me with an iPod nano as a farewell present!! But what hit me hard and made me cry was the goodbye card with the signatures and goodbye messages from all of my colleagues!!!

It was so difficult to say goodbye to colleagues who have become friends and it’s even more difficult when you’re the one who’s leaving everyone behind… because the choice is in your hands. If things are beyond your control, it’s easy to take an attitude of resignation and say to yourself that you cannot do anything about it—“it’s God’s will”. But when the goodbye is by choice, that’s when it’s heavier to bear.

It was my turn to drive that day and Raquel had to wait for me to finish up--clearing my desk and sending goodbye emails to everybody, including my superiors at the head office in Germany. We left the office two hours later than the usual and I logged out for the last time from my DT user ID.

Raquel has been my best friend in the office since I joined the DT family in March 2005 and the farewell present and card was her idea. I dropped her at her home and hugged her goodbye… and as it was too much to bear, I had to burst in tears after driving a block away. Whew!… tears come easy these days for reasons that my rational mind keeps on rejecting!!