Sad Goodbyes

Had a meeting with one of my clients and her family this morning. I've worked quite closely with them for about a year and a half now and there have been a lot of really positive changes in this lady's life.

Today I had to tell her and her family that I am leaving the team and won't be their social worker any more.

My client reacted as expected. She was surprised and wanted to know if she would have another social worker. She said thanks for the things I have helped her with and said she hopes I like my new job.

Her parents on the other hand were actually upset - something I hadn't anticipated. The Mum gave me a big cuddle and told me she didn't want to lose touch. They asked me to keep their phone number and call them and pop round for a cuppa every now and then as my new job is fairly close to where they live.

It was very sweet and very sad at the same time and sort of set the day up in a bit of a weird way.

The afternoon comprised a social work meeting during which I talked about what was happening for me and was asked lots of questions about what type of leaving do I want to have.

I had thought I didn't want a leaving do at all really until it occurred to me that they are more about giving other people a chance to say goodbye rather than being for the person who is leaving, so I have agreed to a lunchtime thing.

After the meeting I had to speak to two more clients and let them know I'm off. These are clients I have worked with in the group sessions we run. They want to pop in to see me before I go so I've agreed to nip to the pub next door for a quick diet coke with them.

And then just before I left I received two very tearful phone calls from the male client of mine who told me he loved me a month or two back. It was very sad and very difficult.

I was actually quite glad to get out of the door at 5pm this evening!