Seems like another normal day at work
Cases to review; calls to make; it never seems to be dull around here
Where, of course, everything is just a little berserk.
Suddenly it pops into my head that I may be at the sunset of my career?
Will I miss all this excitement & stress someday near?
Looking back after all these years,
It does not seem that long ago that I reported to that chicken slaughter plant in ‘78.
I can still recall the pit-in-the-stomach fears,
Where I didn’t know a chicken from a hen or a duck, but soon learned those skills, and
After only 5 years at that plant, I moved on to old cow and swine kills.
By then, I was cross-trained in different species,
I recall Al sending me 400 miles to the Texas panhandle where I met Louie,
On those fast kills where you could not relax, for time did not permit, by golly.
Nevertheless, what mattered most then as it does now, was working with the best of folks.
Thinking back, all the friendships started back then, have lasted to this day like a sweet bouquet.
It was after the Texas panhandle that for the next 7 years my wife, Son, & I, all lived in Cajun Country.
Baton Rouge felt and was like a different country; a completely new way of living and enjoying life.
The nicest people, that took us in like family; we all loved it there and it felt so right.
We didn’t have much money, but life was good back then, and we felt no strife;
But best of all, I didn’t have to work in a slaughter plant anymore, and got to wear a tie.
Returning back to Texas, my family put up with more than a couple of relocations in our time.
Traveling to many States that I can no longer recall, I have a few more grey hairs.
The 30 plus years have come and gone like a blink of an eye, and have taken their toll, for I am well past my prime.
No matter; however, for time does not sit still for no one, so I am told.
I’m thankful and extremely fortunate to have known so many of you in the USDA, who have been there like gold.
My parents preached to do your best always, and to treat others as you would family.
I have tried to do that, and will be signing off soon.
Nevertheless, to those of you that have brought me closer to my destination,
You, along with my family, have guided me in my path all these years like a clear harvest moon.
Know that I will carry a little of piece of each of you with me, for you have been my strength and my foundation.
Robert Collazo, 4/23/09; and edited 4/24/09
