Edwards Family Web

The following e-mail was my mom’s goodbye letter to all her friends and co-workers at NW/DL as she prepared to take early retirement and begin a new chapter in her life. My mom started her career as a Reservations Sales Agent with Southern Airways in April of ’73 and prospered through numerous mergers and acquisitions, rising through the ranks to eventually become one of the most talented Airport Operations Education Instructors in the company. She has touched many people’s lives in her 36 years at SO, RC, NW & DL and will be missed.

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Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:01 PM

Hi everyone,

When I was a little girl, long before my airline career, I used to watch Roy Rogers and Dale Evans every day after school. I loved it. At the end of the show, Roy and Dale would ride off together on their horses singing
“happy trails to you
until we meet again
happy trails to you
keep smiling until then…..”

They sang in harmony and I sang right along with them, feeling such sweet sadness. Sweet because the story line always let the good guys win. Sad because I didn’t want the show to end.

If you are reading this note from me, it’s because you have touched my life somewhere, sometime during my 36 year airline career. Some of you briefly and casually (but not lightly) and others of you more than you may have wanted to J.

I cannot express to you how much our working relationship / friendship has meant to me. I learned from you that southern hospitality extends far beyond the Mason-Dixon Line. Your willingness to support, assist, teach, tolerate and accommodate me have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated by me. I can’t thank you enough and will reminisce fondly about you all.

I have chosen to take the early retirement package and, once again, find myself filled with such sweet sadness. Sweet because it has been a good life. Sad because I cannot imagine my life without you all and the smell of jet fuel. I know this addiction will be very hard to kick.
On the other hand, I am excited about what my future holds, though that part is still a mystery. I keep being reminded of Jeremiah 29 that says the following:
Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Sure is a source of comfort for me right now.

So, to sort of spin off my childhood favorite, Happy Vapor Trails to you, until we meet again!

Love you ~ Mean it!
/D-