Airin' Out

Do you ever try to remember the first time you met someone? It's funny sometimes when I think back and try to recall the pattern of encounters and events that led up to an important friendship. I try to remember the point just before we were friends and it just doesn't seem like it exists. Sure, they weren't always in my life, but it feels like we've been friends since the moment we met.

A little over a year ago, Erin Girouard started working in the Communication Services department of Good Wooden Leg (I'm using your full name Erin so that when potential employers Google you [or dates maybe?] they can see this favourable character reference). I don't really remember the whos and the hows, but Erin ended up eating lunch with Joanna and I. Lucky her. I remember Jo and I spent most of the hour rolling our eyes and complaining about guys and dating. Either poor Erin figured she had no other option or she saw past our cranky dispositions and mindless conversation because she continued to make the Jill and Joanna show a regular part of her day.

Tomorrow is Erin's last day with Good Wooden Leg. She was hired on term, extended once and now it is hard to believe her time with us is up. I can't help but thinking of how I was in her situation two years ago. She has a gained a solid year of experience for her resume and a crew of people who will happily attest to her excellent work ethic. Erin will do just fine.

Today was our last lunch together in the caf'. Erin and I had been joking for the last few days that it felt like the season finale of a TV show, complete with the sad parting of a well-loved character. Erin told me I had to wrap up all my stories for her today so I updated her on some boy story plot lines that had been playing out over the past year. I completely forgot that last year at this time I was also apartment hunting and toying with the idea of quitting blogging. I think Erin would be happy with my character development.

Erin was never much of one to gab, but she always listened intently and lent her caring support. Sometimes I wish I could be more quiet like her. I used to feel bad when I couldn't think of something to say during a long moment of silence. Now I think I will proudly call it Taking an Erin Moment. There is honour in not talking endlessly about oneself and there is a value to just being a friendly face that keeps someone company for a while.