Great News & Great Change

Sometimes great news and news of change are
the same.  And sometimes news of change,
even though it is great, is news that creates
a bit of sadness. 
 
Natalie Hoffmann, COO of NMA and my marvelous
daughter, will be leaving NMA for a “great”
opportunity. She has worked with me for the
last 5+ years and they have been years of
tremendous personal business growth for the
both of us. 
 
The sad part is that she is leaving.  The
great part is that she is my beloved daughter
so she really is not going anywhere.  My
analogy is that we are still in the same house,
she is now in a different room.
 
The relationship between mother and daughter
has been labeled as difficult for ages.  And
yet with my two daughters, I have had and
continue to have the privilege of being their
great friend and their mom. 
 
When I learned I was pregnant with my babies,
I was like a hormone on fast forward.  I talked
to my “tummy”, explained the world around them,
read to them, sang to them and then they were
born.  No wonder they are both highly verbal. 
And I do mean highly verbal.
 
Change is good.  Change is change.  Change stinks. 
Ok, Natalie which is it?  Well, don’t you think
it depends on your mindset and perspective of what
the change is? 
 
Today I have to say goodbye to my very competent
colleague.  Yet, this week when she calls and
tells me all about her new work, I will continue
to be the noisy supporter I have always been. 
Applause, applause, my kid is being great again.
 
Last weekend I had tears because of the change. 
I will miss her so and so will the audiences and
clients of NMA.  She is a effective and efficient
producer of high quality work. 
 
My tears are for the change, not the loss of a
terrific employee.
 
My baby girl is grown up.  I’ve known that for a
long time. 
 
So, so long honey.  Thanks for the efforts on my
behalf and the behalf of NMA.
 
Your new organization has no idea who they have
hired.  Even if I warned them about your absolute
dedication to getting “it” done, they would not
believe me.  But in a very short order, they will
be dazzled with your output and how very deep
your commitment is and how big your heart is.
 
Thanks Natalie Hoffmann. 
 
I love you,
Mommy