The day has to come....I'll miss all of you!

-Special friends from the UAE based HR team.

The team in UAE invited me to a double farewell dinner - for Ahsan and myself.

Saying goodbye is never easy, and it is much harder when those you are leaving behind have been so kind during your stay. Such was the case for me tonight. I was overwhelmed with emotion. My blood pressure took a shot up, which made me flushed with heat and I felt drowsy. I actually left the dinner to visit a doctor for an emergency check-up. I returned to an applaud from the team - cheering me on until the last hour of my stay with them. Their kindness and support have been the reasons for me finding it so hard to say the words - to let them know how much I appreciated them, and how much I am going to miss them.

When I arrived at the dinner everyone including Ahsan who was leaving as well were already there. The set up was just right, informal and at a restaurent overlooking the Dubai ski in the Emirates mall. I was touched by everyone's presence - a few drove from Abu Dhabi to be there.

I started having hot flushes as soon as I took my sit and started interaction with them. There was so much to say, so many to thank but the words were getting stuck in my throat. Dianna alerted that I needed to go see a doctor - although I resisted, after much persuasion from everyone I relented.

The minute I was in the privacy of the car - tear drops touched my cheeks. I tried hard not to let Keesor who was driving and Albert who was accompanying me see my sorry state. I wasn't ready to say farewell to my team.

It is so hard to let go.....

When I returned from seeing a doctor, everyone has finished their main course. I felt much better after taking two pills given to me at the hospital.

I found a fresh breath of air and a certain calmness in facing them the second time. The words just flowed naturally, from the deepest part of my heart. I was relieved to finally able to say how I was feeling. I thanked everyone for their support during the four years that I was leading the team. But most of all, I wanted them to know I was touched by their friendship - and for having trusted me to be their leader.

Tomorrow will come, and it will not be just another day

for you will be on my mind, while I will be on my way

Tonight, we bid farewell and there was lot I wanted to say

words left unspoken, but I hope you could hear my heart whispering

........ your special friendship forever I'll keep remembering.

and a special thank you for all you have given me

thanking you too, for tolerating all of my follies

My sincere wish and prayers for your health, success and happiness

Goodbye my friends - spread your wings and fly

In my heart you will stay - I cheer you on to reach for the sky!

Goodbye dear friends......!