The Sunset of My Career

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….Am I 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 plant as a USDA Inspector & met Javier back in ‘78.
I can still feel all the eyes looking at me as the new rookie on that line, and 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;
Then, after only 5 years there, moved on to San Antonio, to that old cow and swine kill, where I met Al.

By then, I was slaughter cross-trained in different species; and they figured I could help elsewhere.
So, I recall Al sending me 400 miles away to the Texas panhandle where I met Louie, Big Joe & Felix,
On those fast slaughter beef kills where you could not relax, for time did not permit.
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 right after the Texas panhandle that for the next 7 years my wife, Son, & I, all lived in Cajun Country.
Baton Rouge was where I met Ronnie, Randy, Bill & Jane; & felt like a new country; a new way of living and enjoying life.
The nicest people there, that took us in like family; we all loved it, and it felt so right.
We did not have much money, but life was so good back then; & with all the Louisiana parties, we felt no strife.
Best of all, I did not have to get all bloody, and work in a slaughter plant anymore, and I actually got to wear a tie.
There I gave the “oath of office” to many, many new hires, including Ron, who years later would return into my life;
Supervising Ron, Big Joe, Kurt, Ed, James, Larry, Shaun, Little Joe, Mac, and Jaime later on for many years, surely made my decision to retire, as easy as pie!

Back to Texas, working with Ken; then Louie & Big Joe again; my family put up with so much for my government time.
Gone from home weeks at a time to so many states that I no longer recall, I have more than a few grey hairs.
The 32 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 stand still for no one, or so I have been told.
I’m thankful though to have known so many of you who have been there for me like gold.

Even my lunch breaks working on crossword puzzles with Temetha & Linda, (catchatory!), I will miss dearly.
Funny that once I made the decision to retire, and knew I really would not be here next year,
Relished moments more with my bunch in TX, to you across the nation; my good friend Kay, Craig, even Ziggy & Scott in DC.
Of course, after work, no one can obscure great memories of us drinking beer!
Throughout all the years and hard work together, I have felt very honored and quite proud to have served my USDA.
You all have no idea, and cannot comprehend the impact you have had on me, which I most certainly will revere.

Guess it comes down to what my parents preached; to always do your best, to treat others, as you would family.
I have tried to do that, and will be signing off soon; but so very glad that Javier talked me into staying all those years ago!
Nevertheless, many thanks to him; and all of you that have brought me closer to my destination.
You, along with my family, have guided my path all these years like a very clear harvest moon.
Know that I will carry a little piece of each of you with me, for you all have been my strength and my core.
For without any of you, I could not have soared!

To all my USDA colleagues, friends, and family across the country, thanks for all the good memories!  Keep in touch!

Robert Collazo, 4/23/09.  Revised on 6/16/10, and other dates…