Welcome to a New World of Greeting Cards

From a colleague to a social worker on her retirement:

When I was just an intern back in September of  '83
You were the leader of our seminar, a wonderful mentor to me.
When I joined the staff in '88, for me you always had an open door
I'm so grateful for all you taught me, your friendship & much more.
We shared care of the blinded veterans,
I know they loved the time spent in your group
They'd call you Miss Kuhn or Miss Betty,
they were so grateful that you led their troop.
Can you name all the chiefs we had, we saw so many come and go
From Dorothy Fahey right on down the line,
you'd stay centered and go with the flow.
Putting veterans first and providing great care
were the mottoes you lived by each day-
Gentle, direct for over 32 years
you'd help patients along journey's way.
For couples and families who struggled in pain,
you had a particular gift
With children and parents you'd help them to heal,
your helping hand always gave them a lift.
GAF's & PTSD, single subject design  -
these concepts no longer for you
As you leave the VA and begin your new life,
no diagnosing will you need to do.
A new life awaits as you walk out the door
time for tennis and music and fun
Picnics with Molly, trips to New York,
museums, time to sit in the sun.
Your days overflowing the time just goes by,
as you'll feel footloose and fancy free
You've given so much for so many years,
it's your time to relax  and just be.
Three plus decades you served those who have served -
gave them dignity, and a sense of pride
Congratulations on a career that touched so many lives,
I'm so honored to have served by your side.

For a retiring teacher/administrator/friend:

Today's the day I honor you Deborah, an educator, a pioneer
As you retire after serving 30 plus years -
you've had one extraordinary career.
I'm flashing back to 1991 when my heart was filled with dread
At only 18 years old,
I was terrified that my high school career was dead.
A poem by Keats you had me read,
my high school diploma was on the line
When I finished your nod and your smile -
told me I'd done just fine.
So many thousands of lives like mine have you touched,
you're the reason I'm a teacher today
Your commitment, your passion, your standards -
 your legacy to education will stay.
You were on the Board to revamp the MCAS
and helped Haverhill High School get back on track
A pioneer as a female administrator,
and from the old boys' network you never took flack.
When I joined the faculty seven years ago,
more than colleagues a friendship we'd share
Sometimes we'd just sit in silence -
with few words you let me know that you care.
A champion for teachers,
an associate principal second to none
It's time to begin a new chapter in life -
your time to relax, enjoy and have fun.
With your husband and family as your companions,
there's a new world to explore
Boston, museums, Harvard Square - time to read -
so much awaits beyond the high school door.
You know that I'm going to miss you,
but I say farewell without shedding a tear
I'll keep chin up - I'm so happy for you -
and your presence will always be near.
As you begin your retirement,
I wish for you all of the best
To have had you as a teacher, a mentor,
I feel so incredibly blessed.