Going Downtown one last time

I made my final trip 'downtown' this afternoon on company business. Theoretically, I separated from the company yesterday, which was technically the end of the 1st Quarter. I went to pay a visit to my old boss, who helped situate me during my first few years here at GM in his area of focus. We talked about my future plans, the outcome of my last study, and even the old building. He told me that I still have my best years in front of me; I told him that I doubted they could rival the spectacle and excitement I've had being in the auto industry for 8 years. In a way, I feel like I've let him down. It wasn't that long ago that he suggested that I was going to be going places, literally and figuratively. It's probably the most painful part about leaving the company. I turned in my notebook computer, badge, and phone to security on my way out, and left the building very quietly. I also stepped in to see the person who made the past 8 years all possible; the alum from my old graduate school in Berkeley who forwarded my resume 9 years ago. Little does she know how my life was changed by that one act; she didn't actually do the hiring, but without her taking that first step, I know I would not be the person I am today.