Sara: I’ve finally completed my last day of work at the parish. The last couple of weeks were filled with milestones of my “lasts” – the last bulletin I’d compile, the last school Mass, and the last lunch with my colleagues. Of course, there was the last morning I had to leave Gus, my last evening meeting, and my last time pumping breast milk at work which made my other lasts a little easier.

Because I worked for a parish building up their communications ministry, I expected for it to be very difficult for me to leave. It was more than just a “job” to me; I truly felt God had called me to work in this specific ministry at this specific parish. While it was very difficult to know I’ll no longer be journeying with this community on a daily basis, it was actually a lot easier to leave than I expected it to be. In fact, the last two weeks after Christmas were the hardest for me to work. I think I had finally accepted the fact I couldn’t be “superwoman” and commute an hour to work each way each day and still have the time and energy I wanted to be able to give to both Gus and Justin.

As I turned in my keys, my online accounts, and other items, I knew I was making the right decision. I’ll miss the specific people I encountered, but Gus and my family are my vocation with a big “V.” First and foremost, my responsibility is to determine how we can best raise Gus to know and love God with all of his heart, mind, and soul.

On my final drive home, I thought of all of the good times and the great people I had met during my time there. One of our secretaries asked me if I ever regretted taking the position with the church, as she knew I had had several other job offers when I took this position. Despite some of the challenges of the position, I told her I did not regret my decision. Had I not taken the job at the parish, perhaps I wouldn’t have met and married Justin or had Gus. God’s plan is the perfect one, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for me as a stay-at-home mom.

As I said my many farewells, instead of saying “goodbye” I said “so long.” I hope to see my many colleagues and friends again, either on this earth or in heaven!