I made a list of three things I wanted to ask her and three things I wanted to say to her. That was really all we could fit in as the 45 minutes flew by. Mine were simple, 1) favorite memory working together, 2) difficult time working together 3) areas I should consider continuing to work on. I found the closure session highly valuable even if it was spent in tears and I had conflicting feelings of being pissed we were terminating (she retired) and being so appreciative I found her at a time my life was spiraling. I really struggled with the idea that thank you in itself was enough. She helped save my life and how the heck do you thank someone for that. How could I impress the importance of that. In the end I asked if she knew the difference she made in my life and she relayed by staying the course of working together (not terminating when it got dicey) and my reaction to the termination she knew how I felt about her. She gave a few other examples of how she knew and I was deeply touched by her words, it felt so much more than just words.

Wow, typing all that brought back the memory! I promised myself I wouldn't forget the connection of that closure session because I felt so empowered when I walked out. I guess the passage of time does that.