Everyone loves progress as long as there is no change ….

I’m sitting here in my office on Friday night, after Josh’s farewell party, feeling the crazy range of emotions that would normally occur with any changing of the guard. Sadness for seeing a dear colleague, friend and boss leave the theatre, yet joy in the thought of his future looking bright. I wrestle these feelings furiously as I prepare to leave for vacation. Josh just said goodbye to me with a hug and a smile, and I begin to acknowledge that Josh will no longer be in the office next to me when I return. I won’t hear the audible reactions to email, whether with a hearty laugh or a piercing expletive. I won’t get asked the question, “What’s the status of….” or “Do you have a moment to …”. I won’t get to hear his response to any particular problem begin with “Here’s what I would say.” I bite my lip at the thought, and try to imagine what is to come.

I kept silent today during the farewell party, thinking of what I should say to someone I admire so much that didn’t sound repetitive or cliche, wearing my smile like a mask of complexity. I did have some thoughts but I didn’t really think they would do justice to Josh’s contributions to the theatre. The asset we lost with his departure is enormous, and the contributions he’s given us will go on for many years to come. But I didn’t say this. I didn’t think I needed to. It’s clear to everyone who attended today that we were saying best of luck to someone special.

I’ve seen many colleagues come and go at the theatre, and I don’t think any of them have quite inspired me the way Josh has. He has given great advice, put out fires, kept me sane, kept me focused, and strenghtened us all with insight and wisdom that comes from common sense and clear thinking. He’s stood by me through every decision I’ve made; he’s supported the good ones, and helped me rethink the bad ones. He’s made me feel better about my work when I didn’t. The selfish part of me is losing a inspiration, a rock, a fellow soldier in the battle to make the theatre as content as possible, and a great boss.

A wise man once said to me “everyone loves progress, as long as there is no change.” There will be a whole new set of challenges, a new world of change and many exciting prospects that will come in the new year, and they will need to be met with both hands open and head held high. Nothing is set in stone, and the way we look at new possibilities is a reflection of our ability to adapt and grow. And that’s what it should be about. Looking forward with hope, looking back with fondness.

It was Josh who spoke those wise words to me.

Josh: I’m forever indebted to you for all you’ve taught me. I sincerely thank you for being a great boss and a good friend. Best of luck,

~Matt*