In the past two months, I have had to say goodbye to two part-time jobs in order to pursue one full-time job. Leaving both jobs was difficult. I’ll miss my coworkers and the job duties. But mostly, I’m sad to leave the library patrons.

I’m going to miss patron A who calls my by first name and gets excited when he sees me, asking if we have more Star Wars books (again). Will the person who replaces me understand that this kid is special in so many ways?

I’m going to miss patron B who’s snarky jokes made me smile every Saturday morning and reminded me of my father’s and grandfather’s humor. I’ll have to call Dad more and ask that he tells me more jokes.

Will the person who replaces me know that patron C is mute and communicates through her tablet? Will he/she realize that patron D looks 25 but has a lower reading level and prefers the youth nonfiction books about trains?

Will he/she ask their new coworkers how their days are going because sometimes working this job can be demanding, especially when the rest of life is difficult?

Goodbye, reference and circulation desks. Thank you for all you’ve taught me. I promise to visit. I’ll just be on the other side of the counter.