‘Twas the month before Christmas, we were happy, carefree!
We had no suspicion of what soon was to be.
Decorations were hung in the Center with care,
Cold winds and snowflakes swirled in the air.

The associates were working with no feeling of dread,
While visions of the Holidays danced in their heads.
Dwight in his office, Regina in hers too
Were just working as usual, they had so much to do!

When out in the lobby there arose such a clatter,
A stranger appeared—we wondered what was the matter.
In a meeting we gathered, still unaware
Of the fate that awaited us, all soon to share.

The words that were spoken at first didn’t ring,
While we heard what was said, it was too shocking a thing.
Then the meaning came through like a slap in the face—
In 60 days, they were closing this place.

There were tears, there was anger, confusion and fear.
This wasn’t the way we planned starting a New Year.
But we had to go on, make new plans, start anew,
In classes we focused on a great interview.

Out in the community we all dashed to apply,
Resumes in our hands, confidence in short supply.
The "family" bonds we’d enjoyed seemed to unravel
As out in the world we all started to travel.

Loss of friends hurt as much as the jobs we were losing,
The worst of it was that it wasn’t of our choosing.
But just when the situation seemed the most glum,
A new figure appeared who made all our hearts hum.

From the hat to the apron and that loveable nose,
We knew in an instant our dear Homer had chosen
To cheer us, to steer us, to encourage us and,
To remind us that real friends won’t slip from our hand.

Now out of the mist more figures came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now, Gloria! Now, Mark! Now, Brian! Now, Dan!
Now, Kevin and Corey, On, Susan and Frank!
On, John, Gail and Wendee! Dash away all!

To the stores in Lake Zurich, Downers Grove and Geneva,
On to Elgin, Algonquin, Vernon Hills and Oswego!
On to what and wherever your life takes you next—
Don’t forget that you worked and you lived with the best!"

In his hands he had badges to remind us that we
Should hold on to the values of Arthur and Bernie.
As he gave us each one, fond memories came back
Of good times and laughter, there was never a lack!

And associates long gone who had shared in those days,
To Mary, Chad and Kristie, to Gil, Kelly and Gabe.
To Angelo and Lady Jane, to name a few more,
To Paul, Steve and Anna, you helped us for sure.

Oh, the list just goes on, the memories grow fonder,
Of what we have shared as our futures we ponder.
We know we are leaving, but we’re richer by far.
For the friendships and training, both way above par.

Then he aimed a chubby finger at a bright, distant star,
As he climbed back inside his puffy orange car.
And we heard him exclaim as a tear he did wipe,

"Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good life!"