Question: Over the last four years, my job as caregiver became a huge part of my identity. Although during some of the most difficult times I questioned my decision, I can honestly say I have no regrets and would do it all over again, but next time with a more appreciative attitude. When my husband passed, my job as his caregiver ended. I felt lost and did not know in which direction to head with my life. After about six months, I began to feel my life’s internal compass point in a familiar direction, one in which I had always wanted to explore yet never dared to embark due to fear of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. I decided I was no longer going to be a victim of the insurmountable; it was time for me to become a victor of the impossible.

I applied to law school and against the odds I was accepted. The problem is I don’t know how best to leave behind a part-time position I feel so honored and blessed to have had for the last year and a half. Please help me determine how to do so with the utmost dignity and professionalism.

Answer: After much thought, prayer and self-reflection the following is the advice given unto me in response to the previous question.

Step 1. Inform the leadership for whom you have been blessed and honored to work of your recent decision. Genuinely convey to them your appreciation for their generosity during the days that lay behind as well as your anticipation for the exciting days that lay ahead.

Accomplish this first step as soon as possible and before informing any other friends or business associates. Do so to ensure those for whom you work do not hear your news from someone else; if so, they will likely feel as though you do not respect or value their position.

Step 2. Continue to show respect for your management by asking them how, when and who they would like to inform the others around whom you work. Adhere to their desires. Regardless of your management’s response, maintain a positive spirit of unwavering grace and appreciation throughout the process so not to set a fire underneath any of the bridges that have gotten you where you are and that will carry you safely away.

Step 3. If, while working through steps one and two, you ever begin to question your decision recall the following. You answered “yes” when asked if this new initiative would work in favor of your life’s purpose of spreading light into as many hurting and dark areas of the world as possible.

Step 4. From this point forward, make concerted effort to surround yourself with others who are as in favor of your new initiative. Do not, however, turn from those who may attempt to diminish, re-direct, question or thwart your journey; instead, realize they are simply a test of your commitment and passion to pursue the new road being opened unto you.

Step 5. Believe your dreams will come true and commit to demolishing any roadblocks you encounter while driving them from concept into reality. Keep focused on where you are going so not to become stuck in where you are, or thrown in reverse and have to re-trace your steps.

Follow up: I took my own advice and informed the management of The Tidewater News of my recent decision to enter law school.

Their response was one of gratitude for my past contributions and excitement for my future opportunities.

Not only did they understand it would be impossible for me to keep up with the demands of first year law school and maintain the weekly regularity of “Ask Abbie,” but also they left the door open for me to contribute a column whenever I found time or an insatiable desire to do so.

In conclusion, I am thankful to The Tidewater News for giving me the opportunity to become a weekly guest at many homes and to each of those who welcomed me into them and allowed me to speak while there. As I have been honored and blessed by each of you it is my prayer you each are blessed exponentially so in return. In His name, Amen.

ABBIE-FOX WORRELL is a Franklin native and has been the advice columnist for The Tidewater News. Her contribution has been greatly appreciated.

P.S. In an attempt to leave a smile on each person’s face who reads this column, contemplate the following.

What did the Baptist dog say to the Methodist dog? “Ha, Ha. I got to go swimming and all you got to do was run through the sprinkler!”