I just received a letter,

from my former employer, the most recent one, that I just left for health reasons. I'll transcribe it here. Remember that during the time I worked there, I transitioned, undergoing my Real Life Test. Their attitude during the time I worked there was understanding, supportive and caring.

"Dear Catherine.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the nearly 5 years of service that you have dedicated to CARTS (Chautauqua Area Rural Transport System) through your assignment here as an Office For The Aging Senior Aide.

Throughout your assignment here you demonstrated true concern, empathy and care for our customers and provided valuable assistance to all of the bus drivers that you worked with. Your positive attitude, hard work and dependability were also very much appreciated. Additionally, I would like to thank you for extending the offer to assist in training new bus aides as they are assigned-another example of your dedication to the job, our customers, and our service.

Once again, thank you for all your efforts. Best of Luck to you.

Sincerely,
---- ------(I've left out his name, for obvious reasons)
Project Coordinator"

I am very proud of this letter and the time I spent working on the buses. Helping those less fortunate than I, taught me some very valuable lessons, and showed me my real purpose in the world. We transported the sick, elderly, and handicapped people to doctors appointments, hospital visits, dialysis, and shopping trips, many of them in wheelchairs. I got to know so many of them on a personal level, and, along the way, lost a few to their health problems, or aging. I will miss all of them, and the people I worked with, but due to MY declining health, I can no longer safely deal with 400+ pounders in wheelchairs. I have COPD and it robs me of my breath and stamina.

I posted this letter because it is the first time in my life that I have been appreciated enough by an employer, to warrant the sending of a letter like this one...and to perhaps let others know that, not only CAN you transition on the job, but that there are places where you will be appreciated, understood, and supported by the people in charge.

Hugs 'n love,
Catherine Linda Michel

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