Dear Mrs. Marian Matthews,
August 31, 2003 I will complete employment at St. Simeon's Episcopal Home, thirty-four years and five months. Friday, August 28 will be the last day of work at 5:00 p.m. …. From the first day, to the last day of employment, I have appreciated the jobs I've had at St. Simeon's, and loved our residents who became like members of an extended family.
Both St. Simeon's and I have seen many changes with addition of years. Although
St. Simeon's ages, it also continues to improve, meeting the needs of the heart of St. Simeon's, the residents. It provides a haven of peace for all those creatures, human and animal that need rejuvenation.
As for myself, along with knowledge and experience I've acquired, I've gained more white in my hair, a new set of eyes and a few more aches and pains as birthdays have added up. I thought I would go slowly into the frame of time, called the senior years. I was having a lot of anxiety and feelings of trepidation setting a final date. After the decision was made, I accepted it, and as time approaches faster and faster, I find I am welcoming it with open arms.
This time will not be wasted, no rocking my life away, but I'm planning to make use of my new time by gaining more experiences and accepting new challenges. I have lap top computer and a program to upgrade math skills and to keep the little gray cells from totally disintegrating. Christmas I was given binoculars to more closely see the birds I'll be watching in the parks and feeding in our yard. I have joined the YWCA and expect to spend many early mornings exercising.
I will be accepting my first part time job with Tulsa Election Board, Sept 9, 2003 as precinct worker. Also, I will be available to volunteer as needed in church or wherever needed. And, of course, I will always be available to the grandchildren as Grandma Paula.
Barbara Roberts is spreading rumors. No! No! No! I have not found a nice twenty year man [Boy!!!] in which to run off into the sunset to live happily ever after. I wouldn't want another child to raise. Well, maybe I would reconsider if the twenty-year-old child is generously rich. Naw! Too much work involved.
I look forward to the senior citizen challenges, but will always think back on St. Simeon's with love. I plan to leave St. Simeon's with a heart full of love and as few tears as possible. I will always hold fond memories of the residents, staff and coworkers who were part of my years at St. Simeon's Episcopal Home. It will seem extremely odd, not to be, Paula Sampson of St. Simeon's.
Sincerely with love,
Paula Sampson
Stuart Graham, Dietary Department Director, believes that Paula's tireless efforts are represented in the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 25, verses 19 to 21. Thank you Stuart, we agree with you.
