Friends,
It seems absurd to try to sum up appreciation for five years of kindness and camaraderie into a single email, but allow me a few feeble sentences.
Many of you have given generously to me of your skills and expertise. I am extremely grateful. I have learned and grown more in the last five years than in any other period of my life. Indeed, as my family and I uproot to Chicago and begin to try and help with the hardships there, I feel as though I will be taking a piece of each of you with me. In this way, I feel that you are all participants in what we plan to do there.
Not only have you given of your abilities, but you’ve also given generously of yourselves, your stories, and your hearts. It was only six months ago that I went in for surgery to remove the cancer that had grown below my left ear, and only four months ago that I returned from radiation treatment. Your support and encouragement were outstanding.
I wrote my exit interview feedback yesterday and found that I didn’t have anything negative to say about my time here. How could I, when it has been so blessed? No, I am not leaving because of dissatisfaction with this company, or any of you, or because of an offer of more money elsewhere. I am leaving simply because I believe with all of my heart that the most wonderful force for good came down from His place of security and sacrificed Himself for me, and now I find I want nothing less than to do the same.
It is my deep hope that all of you would find yourselves as blessed with as wonderful friendship and kindness as you’ve shown me.
Aaron
