Going concern: Joseph Jones’ Thought for the Week
‘Not all goodbyes are difficult, but the best ones are.’
Not all goodbyes are difficult, but the best ones are. An easy farewell tells us that we are not losing very much – that the parting is of small consequence. The ones that hurt are the ones that show us that we are losing something that matters.
This is very much the case for us at the Friend as we say goodbye to our advertisement manager George Penaluna, who retires this month. He has mattered very much indeed to the magazine over the last three decades. This is the easy thing to say because, to some extent, we can quantify a contribution to an organisation in facts and figures: revenue generated; tasks fulfilled; functions maintained. In each of these George has been an invaluable colleague, and an essential part of the business. Much more difficult to express is how we’ll miss the way he has gone about those duties: with much competence, integrity and application, yes, but we will remember most his kindness and care, and his consideration and concern for everyone he worked with and the advertisers he helped. George also spoke to many of our readers in his time here – you too will know he has been, in every sense, a gentle man. Others of you who have had respected colleagues also become beloved ones will understand this rare and precious combination. How fortunate we are to have experienced something which makes for such a tough parting.
Goodbye – God be with you – George. May you dip your feet in oil, may your doorbolts be iron and copper, and your security last all your days.
As ‘farewell goes out sighing’, as Shakespeare has it, ‘welcome ever smiles’. Thus we are very happy to be introducing our new relationships manager, Sarah FitzGerald. Sarah comes to the Friend from a small community charity in south west London. She will be the new point of contact for all advertising, including ‘Friends and Meetings’, and is settling well into our team.
As with all transitions, this is also period of reflection for us. We welcome any input you might have on how we can work better to keep you connected to the Quaker world. Do keep in touch, in whatever way suits you best, and hold us in the Light as our new ways of working drop into place.
Joe is editor of the Friend. George will be reflecting on his time at the magazine in a forthcoming issue.
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