Would you like to make a soldier out of your son Ted?

This weekend hurt.

But not the same way breaking a leg hurts, so this isn't the second installment of my examination of pain (to follow...).

Strangely, this weekend hurt for a lot of reasons. Firstly, I had 4 going away parties to attend. Two for me and two for people I care about.

Party No.1 - Kinda sedate; wasn't overly fun. It almost seemed like it was happening because it was expected, not because anyone actually wanted to be there. A couple of drinks; a little hurt.

Party No.2 - Small, but intense, this was the going away party for GARH!. He is an old colleague and good friend who is moving into my old role at my second last location. He is very good at what he does, although sometimes he doesn't think so. I got to see a bunch of people I used to work with. All of them getting older and wiser and farther removed from when they needed me. A bunch more drinks; a little bit more hurt.

Party No.3 - Big and rather raucous, this was the going away party for J. He is also an old colleague and good friend who is moving into the role I am now leaving. He is being replaced by GARH! (everyone follow that). Once again, I got to see a bunch of people I used to work with. In a moment of self doubt, I took the opportunity to talk to 'Col about my failings as a manager. She gave me a lot to think about. One more drink; a bunch of masochistic self-examination.

Sleep.

Last day at work.

Party No.4 - All about me. Took a bunch of my staff to my local, 'The Tap' and listened to the DJ. It was a remarkable showing. I didn't expect to see all of those that appeared. A couple got lost on the way and for that I am truly sorry. It was just a last minute change. Sorry. Drinking ensued, followed by a quick game of 'Peter's Feeling Old and Sentimental So You Need Advice' (If you liked it, I insist you try the home game. Fab!). The night unfolded and a group of us went to the Dance Cave (Team 3 is away!). We danced, as promised. Leo had fun. I drank too much. Britt proved she was a miracle worker with a marker. Julie went to an event. Elliot got a stern talking to. Rachel played trivia. I was a little disturbed by some things that I saw. I don't think I could have imagined a better send off. Lots of drinks; a whole lot of bittersweet emotions.

The next day was my only day off. I went to work, cleaned out my desk, transferred some files and shared a bunch of sheepish looks and pained goodbyes and walked out the door. No drinking;a small snap! as a piece of my heart fell off.