Where do I begin? I held my emotions in quite well, but as I was driving home from Marian’s farewell party I broke down crying. I don’t know what hit me. What do I say? I remember those days six years ago when I first started working at Bell. I was in complete awe of this company which I barely knew about. When I think back, and reminisce about the past six years, one thing stands right out – the people that I have worked with.

Marian – I want to tell you that I respect you in every way possible, I adore your charm, and most of all, your ‘heart of gold’. My mother use to refer to the people at Lime Ridge as her ‘Bell Family’ – and I think you know what I mean when I say that. When I first started working with you I was young and impressionable, my eyes wide open to life’s possibilities. I always looked up to you as someone who was so strong – you always stood up for what you believed in…and that is not something many people do. In ways that I can’t even begin to understand – you helped shape me (as did all the other Bell LimeRidge team members)into part of the person I am today.

It’s so nice to be able to work with people that you would trust with your life. Marian, you will be so greatly missed! Although you may not know it – you’ve touched the hearts of every single one of your co-workers. I wish you and your family all the best in your new beginning. Please don’t forget about us up here in Canada, and you are always welcome to my house when you come back ‘home’. Love you lots and keep in touch.

Ralph