Deborah's Last Day

Friday was Deborah's last day. She has been on island for 28 months. Beginning last January she has served as the interim director of the museum. Our current staff were mostly hired during her tenure. With the exception of a couple who were hired by Nigel Sadler, the previous director.

Though I came on in September, It has been a hard transition for most of the staff, who still call back to talk to Deborah about all staff related issues.

On Friday night, the girls on our staff through a party for Deborah. They wanted this to be a surprise party and no one was to leak anything about it.

They have been planning the party all week. Raising money - though a considerable amount of this came from me - and buying and cooking party food.

Friday after work, and after Deborah left, we set up our tent, lights, and tables and chairs. Everyone showed up at 7:30 with food and decorations. At 8:00 we had and waited for Deborah. In our totally strategic plan at keeping this absolutely a surprise...no one had made arrangements for Deborah to show up to her surprise party. SURPRISE. Everyone thought someone else had taken care of it.

Earlier in the week I had spoken to Thomas about planning the party, but with no follow up, he did not make arrangements either. At 8:50 I called Thomas' phone - no answer. At 9:00 I called Deborah's phone - no answer. At 9:15 I drove down to the SandBar on the outside chance they might be there. They were. The minute Thomas saw me he knew what was up. They had just finished eating dinner, but left immediately.

The party got started just after 9:00pm. I think our staff felt good about it. It was not necessarily a party for Deborah, but it was in fact a party for her staff, on her behalf. The party was planned for about 30. Most of them friends and family of our staff. Probably 10 more young men heard the party and came in from the alley to get food and drinks.

The dancing started at about 11:00 and continued until 12:00. I think the staff were hoping for a local type of party. This is what they got. This was not your parent's museum party. That is for sure.