Just yesterday, I wrote the following message to my colleagues at The 1917 Clinic after 15 and 1/2 years:
Please forgive my mass email but it seems to be the best way to get the news out to everyone at the same time. This will allow me time to talk with many of you over the next month individually.
I want you to know that I have accepted a new position as Director of Pastoral Care at the hospital. My last work day at the clinic will be Friday, September 25th. I will take a week of vacation and then start on Monday, October 5th at the hospital.
This position is an exciting and challenging opportunity for me to explore how we can integrate spirituality and health through one-on-one care, education, and community outreach throughout the Health System for staff and patients. I hope you will be able to celebrate this new opportunity with me.
On the other hand, there is of course grief on my part as leaving the clinic becomes a reality. I want to say to each of you that The 1917 Clinic has been my family over the last 15 and 1/2 years. Our clinic is a unique, remarkable, healing and compassionate community (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) for our patients.
I am especially indebted to Mike Saag for having the vision to create a position for a Chaplain in an HIV Clinic in 1994. He was the first in the United States to do so. Jim Raper has also been the finest supervisor and director a person could ask for in the last few years. I could go on and on but I will stop for now.
I look forward to saying thank you to you individually as much as possible in the weeks ahead. While change is hard, it is also filled with opportunity. I hope to embrace the sadness of leaving and the excitement of beginning as fully as possible.
And the good news is I will just be four blocks away.
Thank you and peace to you all,Malcolm
I will write more about embracing goodbyes in the days ahead.
Malcolm -
I am deeply saddened that you are leaving 1917, but am certainly excited for you in this new position. You will definitely be the best anyone could ever imagine in that role, as you have been in the HIV world. Although you and I haven’t spent a lot of time together, you are definitely one of the most appreciated people in my life. I will look forward to keeping up with your on Facebook and your website.
With love, Sandra
Malcolm: I am thrilled for your new opportunity. The University Hospital will be a better place because of your work; of that I am sure. Similarly, I know that the 1917 Clinic is a remarkable place because of your contributions there. There’s no question about that. I’m glad for you.