Dear All,

I quit. As you read this edition of the FML, you will read that I quit
today. Please don't let this surprise you, insomuch as I quit at least
three times a day, rarely less, sometimes more, every day. There's a
myriad of reasons, too many to list, and all of which you could easily,
or not, guess after 13 years of sheltering. Or, you can wait for the
tv sitcom which I'll write when I have time. It's called, "Give Me
Shelter", which has everything to do with the people I interact with,
and the sheltering of ferrets are just the vehicle for the topic.

In recent months I was on the phone with a very well respected and
loved member of this community, and she too quit. She meant it, just
as I do.....each time, ....only this was her first. She was a quitter
virgin.

She took it a step further and even gave notice to those on a
need-to-know basis that she quit. I listened to her and knew in that
moment in time, she meant it, or at least thought she meant it! I had
to keep reminding myself, this was her first time, and be gentle and
understanding. I wasn't about to deprive her of that decision. I
remembered my first quit, as I listened to her.

She was un-quit the next day, and now a veteran, a lifetime member of
the "Quitters Club". All the while, in my heart of hearts, I knew that
she was going to join me in my elite group of "Quit A Day'ers". I know
that there's more members to this club and it's not really as exclusive
as I'm making it out to be. It may include, but not be limited to;
shelter ops, shelter volunteers, web owners, emergency chairs and their
volunteers, those that transport, fundraisers, donors, ......like I
said, this is the short list.........and oh, I forgot one other on a
very very short list, but critical to keeping the balance and the
positive flow of energy in the ferret community, the resident humorist.

That humorist and I have shared some moments in the past, one of which
brings a smile every time I think about it. This is very self-serving,
bear with me please. It's not every day the laugh-ee can make the
laugh-tor laugh. Many months ago, in responding to some FML posts, I
suggested the use of a tin foil hat, and posted a link to a ferret
coiffed with the best Reynolds foil had ! The humorist laughed. I...
ME...made the humorist, the resident wise-cracker, the one that had
made us smile and laugh for so many years....ME...I made her laugh. I
think I should have that email from her needle pointed, or whatever
you sewers (sewers being those that use needle and thread, not work in
waste and rain disposal systems) call it.

Yesterday Alexandra quit. You're allowed. Take your time. Heal. When
you're ready to un-quit, as the rest of us have, we'll be glad to see
you back. One common thread in the "Quitters Club" is that we've been
hurt, tired and disappointed very bad. It can be a tough road back. As
other members of the "Quitters Club" will attest to, sometimes it's
realizing that we're needed, and an important spoke in the wheel of
what makes this business of ferreting and rescue work.

All my love and respect to you, and thanks too. Oh and let me tell you
something else young lady; On those days that I quit more than 3 times
before my morning coffee pot was empty, I searched for your posts on
the FML for a smile, a glimmer, any quip to make the tip ends of my
mouth go North. So often your posts found a smile for me, sometimes
even an audible chuckle.

I don't want this post to prompt other posts eulogizing the loss of
Alexandra. She's not gone, she's just quit, and it's her first time.
She's allowed. She wouldn't want that. Alexandra is a class act, and
I'd bet that she would want us to smile, as well she taught us to.
She wants us to love and devote ourselves to the day-in and day out
challenges we have as owners and shelters, and those of you on the long
list. Most of all, to find a smile in the simplest moments of our life.
Alexandra is our Seinfeld.

For you, today and each tomorrow, my dear friend:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Alphajill/tinfoilhat2.jpg

and again

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Alphajill/tinfoilhat1.jpg

Affectionately,
Barb Clay
Dir of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's
www.rockysferrets.com
Shelter Rep/The Ferret Council

[Posted in FML 6088]