Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Goodbye, Alun

It was a sad day yesterday in work. Alun came in to collect up the remains of his belongings. The recession has hit everybody and the church trust can no longer afford to pay him. Not being a trustee, I didn't make the final decision, but I believe it was the only realistic option.

But that doesn't mean I shan't miss him. We've worked together for six years and he's been great company, boosting me when I've been down as well as roundly abusing me especially when in Chris's company! On Friday the three of us went to the pub for lunch. I took my camera but forgot about it until we got back so couldn't get a shot of us all together.

Alun gave me lessons in self-assertiveness - and then complained that he'd created a monster! So to my Dr Frankenstein I say, 'Goodbye and thanks for all the fun.'

12 comments:

James Higham said...

These are the ground level tragedies that those above don't see and don't worry about. Very sad.

Lia said...

Always sad when a team member leaves, it changes the dynamics of a group.
Such a shame, sounds like he will be missed by one and all.
Much love,
Lia xx.

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

What a shame he has had to leave.. but he won't be forgotten.

I am sure you will get together with him for drink once in a while!

Rose said...

The recession has hurt everyone, it seems; so sad that you have to lose a colleague who was also a friend. From what you've written before, I would imagine he's the kind of person who truly deserves the kind of respect you mentioned ordinarily given to the Queen.

Leslie: said...

If he's still in the area, I'm sure you'll see him once in a while. But too bad he had to leave as I've been enjoying your little tales of him and the others.

jams o donnell said...

It's sad that your church trust could not afford to pay him. I hope he finds something else.

He sounds like a great bloke and a good friend Liz

CherryPie said...

I hate sad moments like that.

That is a lovely picture of the two of you :-)

Unknown said...

My blessings and prayers to Alun and all who have lost employment during these hard times.

I so wish that they could share some of the millions of dollars in bonuses that the corporate executives have received as they have themselves terminated the employment of others.

But that would be just and I am seeing little justice in monopoly capitalism.

Sad.

Puss-in-Boots said...

I'm sorry Alun has to leave but even more sorry he's out of work. So many people in these times...

You'll miss him, Liz...

MissKris said...

Hopefully you'll be able to keep in contact, tho? I am still friends with one of my very first co-workers from my very first job. We met in 1972 and she's lived in California now since 1973. I visited her there a couple of times and she stops here in Portland to visit me every time she passes thru to visit family in Washington State. 5 or 10 years may go between visits but every time we see each other it's like we take up our conversation from where we left it the last time we saw each other. We were just girls then, 18 and 21...now we're 55 and 58! A lot of water under the bridge....

Liz Hinds said...

It is, james.

He will, lia.

He's still part of the church so we'll see him sundays, anne.

I didn't realise how much it would affect me, rose.

I'm sure there'll still be tales to tell, leslie.

He did loads of school work, jams, so at least he has got a good reputation if they're looking for supply teachers.

Thanks, cherrypie.

You're right, nick; it does seem very unfair.

I will, puss.

Oh yes, kris, but it won't be the same.

Joy Des Jardins said...

Another casualty in today's economic mess of a society. I'm sorry about your co-worker and friend Liz. I wish him luck in finding another position somewhere. He joins the ranks of so many others.