What to say in a farewell message before they head out the door.

A day at work that went wrong, and how they made it bearable.

One thing you do differently at work because of them.

The thing on their desk or their screen that you’ll genuinely miss seeing.

The meeting you both still quote. Just say the line, they’ll know.

Lunch won’t be the same. Keep in touch.

The moment you knew you could stop checking their work.

A skill the next place is lucky to get, with one example of it.

Say out loud the reference you’d give them, in about 30 seconds.

Their most famous email, message or spreadsheet. You know the one.

Hiring you was one of my better calls.

The routine you had together, like Thursday coffee or the walk home, and how you’ll keep it going from a distance.

The first thing you’ll do together when you visit.

Everything of theirs that’s still at your place, listed in full.

Your rules for their new friends: who’s allowed to replace you, and who isn’t.

Go be brilliant. Then call me.

The small things they did without being asked: the packages, the spare key, the snow.

What the street loses when they leave, like the Friday wave or the best Halloween candy.

The loudest thing you’ve ever heard through the wall, the fence or the floor.

What you’ll tell the new people about them, whether they like it or not.

Best neighbor we’ve had. Our door’s always open.