So how come nobody checked with me?

For the record, I do NOT approve of this.

Less than 48 hours ago, I was in my normal state of idiot-bliss (insert joke......here____) on so many things as per usual. And then, and if you know me you probably shouldn't say anything to anybody on account of it's not official yet, one of my BFF's in my RL, paycheck earning world ever called me and told me he was pensioning out.

Done.

The best partner I ever had.

Gone.

Thank God about 5 minutes into our conversation he got another phone call and had to take it, cause it would have gotten a little emotiony up in there. I had a feeling this was coming, he's been off with an injury for awhile now. But to hear him say those words... holy crap I wasn't ready for that.

And then, yesterday as I'm talking to my other BFF in my RL, paycheck earning world, he says to me, out of the blue -

"So, in September, when I retire..."

WHAT???

EXCUSE ME???

NO.

I'm sorry, that's not allowed. Maybe next September, when I'm eligible to join you , but not this September. I've worked more with these two individuals than anyone else, ever. 8 years with the one and 6 with the other. They have been with me through some of the darkest times of my life, on either side, keeping me vertical when that was the last thing I wanted to be (and that last line is why I HATE doing this at work, cause right now tears are streaming down both cheeks, sorry C) and helping me to retain what little sanity I have left. And they have been with me to help celebrate some of the brightest moments, the frosting on the cake of my life.

And now, as I sit here, I realize that as the people I work with prepare to recognize the guys that retired last year, 12 months from now, we will most likely be preparing to do the same for these two.

That ain't right.

I know they're entitled to this, but how come nobody checked to see if it was ok with me?

Who in the hell is gonna watch my back now? I mean, after all, it IS all about me, right? Right??? This. Blows.

And the funny thing is, the pirate and I have been talking about what we're going to do, what I want to be when I grow up. I know my time is coming, I mean, it's inevitable, but this? This just kind of hit me the wrong way.

Nothing, of course, is finalized yet. Won't be for some time yet. But for here, for now, to the Chick Magnet - you, my good friend are and always will be, the best, most fun, most aggravating, most challenging, most entertaining partner anyone in our chosen profession could ever hope to have.
And Lou - Should you, in fact, decide that September is it for you, you are the best boss I could ever hope for. You let me be me and still helped to make the me that I was (am) blend into someone that I'm pleased with. And that's NOT easy.

And I'm so glad neither of you will ever read this, lol, cause the three of us would just... well... you know...