I used to work at the Naval Base in Norfolk VA. I retired in May of 2006.  I miss the people that I worked with and always try to go visit – it’s about an hour away – whenever I can.

I was emailed a couple of weeks ago, about the upcoming Thanksgiving luncheon that they always have, and it’s pot luck, so in addition to seeing all of my old friends, we get to eat some great food. We always had people bringing food to work, and when we could, we would bring whatever produce we were growing. A good time was always had by all!

So today was the day for the luncheon. DH had looked at the base sticker on the car, and saw that it was still good until the end of this month. Ok, I’m ready!

Half way to the base, I realized that I didn’t  have my military dependent id card (DH is retired navy). So I called my DH and asked him if he remembers what my old phone number was. Surely I could call someone and have them come get me at the pass office (a convenient parking place). He didn’t remember the number. I tried 2 or 3 numbers that I thought were right, and none of them were working numbers.

I went into the pass office, and asked at the information desk, if they could get me a phone number to try. That they did. I called there – it was the business office of the command where I used to work. I explained who I was – she must have been new because she didn’t recognize my name.

Now I am sure you are wondering why that would be such a big deal. Well, I worked on that base, in that command for 18 years – in the same office for the whole time. My work dealt with the whole command – maintaining a database, and software. I was well known. I think people still talk about me!

Ok, back to the phone numbers. I called, and all I got was voicemail. Now I know that everyone was already eating – I was supposed to be there between 11 and 11:15 – it was now 11:30.

I called back to the business office and got the number of another gal I know, who works just down the hall. She went to get someone – and the door was locked, and the note said they were all at the Thanksgiving luncheon. I’m almost ready to turn around and go back home. But one more try – she looked up the cell phone number of my boss. I called, and he said: “Hi Sandi, how are you?” After explaining my situation – he said: “I’ll be right there!”

Did I tell you that I miss the people I worked with.

Now that I’m back home, I can chuckle about the episode – notice I’m not laughing… but we had lots of fun reminiscing, talking about children, and everything other than work! It was great to see everyone, and I missed those who were not there – either sick, off day, or retired as well.

Perhaps they will have a Christmas party – will definitely go to that, but will remember to take my id card.

Sandi