I never felt closer to you! All the feelings you identified are experienced by all of us who have spent long years in Federal Service — “a strange mix of emotions sitting just beneath the surface”. For me, it came to 42 years, for you may be less — it doesn’t matter. I look to your words: “Gratitude for the years, the work, the people. Pride in what was done and what was endured…realization that a chapter I once thought would define me is now something I am choosing to close.” These are all natural and to be expected. The job didn’t define us — the job was just a facet of our lives. Be grateful for the opportunity to serve ad to be recognized for that service. Now your life begins not a new chapter but a new book. We have your back!!!
I cannot add enough hearts to this post Chris. You are part of a very small band of brothers who welcomed me into their Computer Forensics circle a long time ago, and your friendship and wise advice constantly and gently pushed me to be the best I could be in the field. I treasure the memories of our time in the fight together. Although I never had the privilege of working directly with you, I always knew you would be willing to provide perspective when I needed it. I'm excited for your next chapter, I know you have more mountains to climb and more trails to blaze!
Congratulations Chris, to your new beginning. Knowing your job doesn't define you helps you to appreciate being retired. It's what you've worked for and studied for, but now you get to enjoy your life with your family, it's time to celebrate, make every minute count. You got this Dude!
Always nice to be able to pick your moment; looking forward to hearing about what's next!
(Also - the end-of-June date is so nicely in sync with the end of the school year that it kicked off Alice Cooper's "School's Out" playing in my head. 😁)
Jangus, my nephew —
I never felt closer to you! All the feelings you identified are experienced by all of us who have spent long years in Federal Service — “a strange mix of emotions sitting just beneath the surface”. For me, it came to 42 years, for you may be less — it doesn’t matter. I look to your words: “Gratitude for the years, the work, the people. Pride in what was done and what was endured…realization that a chapter I once thought would define me is now something I am choosing to close.” These are all natural and to be expected. The job didn’t define us — the job was just a facet of our lives. Be grateful for the opportunity to serve ad to be recognized for that service. Now your life begins not a new chapter but a new book. We have your back!!!
—Odin
Thank you! I'm really excited for the next chapter! I’ve written a framework for my book based on this blog, it's more reflective then the blog.
I cannot add enough hearts to this post Chris. You are part of a very small band of brothers who welcomed me into their Computer Forensics circle a long time ago, and your friendship and wise advice constantly and gently pushed me to be the best I could be in the field. I treasure the memories of our time in the fight together. Although I never had the privilege of working directly with you, I always knew you would be willing to provide perspective when I needed it. I'm excited for your next chapter, I know you have more mountains to climb and more trails to blaze!
I love you. Thank you for the kind words and for being part of this journey and my next journey.
Congratulations, Chris! All the best to you and your family in the next chapter.
Tha n you sir for the kind words! I'm ready!
Congratulations Chris, to your new beginning. Knowing your job doesn't define you helps you to appreciate being retired. It's what you've worked for and studied for, but now you get to enjoy your life with your family, it's time to celebrate, make every minute count. You got this Dude!
Always nice to be able to pick your moment; looking forward to hearing about what's next!
(Also - the end-of-June date is so nicely in sync with the end of the school year that it kicked off Alice Cooper's "School's Out" playing in my head. 😁)
Buford’s Half Time
From Success to Significance … another timely read.