Well that’s it for me folks. This is my last post.

After waiting what seemed an interminably long time, continually checking email and the AUFA Information site, I received the summary of the new collective agreement. I sat down in front of my computer and started reading it, and within minutes I said out loud, “They did it.” It didn’t take me long to correct myself and say “We did it.” But first I had to acknowledge the incredible strength of our negotiating team and executive, who, in the words or Richard Cunningham, must have felt they were carrying the world on their shoulders through these negotiations. And they did the same for us. Today, in the special information session of AUFA, that battle weary group began by graciously acknowledging how we supported them by staying strong on the line. The fact is, of course, we achieved this principled agreement together through the collective strength of the membership. At a time when we all needed each other, we were there. And as a result, nobody was sold out. I made sure to grab the “Nobody will be sold out” sign at HQ this morning to give to Jim Sacouman as a keepsake for keeping the faith.

Unfortunately, while we can and should take a moment to enjoy this significant victory, we can only do so for a moment. We have won an important battle, but the war over responsible governance at Acadia University is far from over. I was happy to hear so many people acknowledging that fact in our meeting today too. However, the coming battles will have to be subjects for other blogs and other bloggers. This blog and this blogger are done.

I’d like to end by thanking those who have taken the time to read this blog. I’ve found this experience of sharing my words, pictures, and videos with all of you very rewarding. This blog started out as an experiment in writing therapy, a way for me to cope with my anxieties and stresses about the strike. But it became so much more than that to me. Through this act of sharing — for me, a corollary to what happened every day on the picket line — I maintained and gained the strength I needed to keep the faith. And if this blog has done anything to hearten you during this stressful period in our lives, I’m glad of it, because it was inspired by so many of you. It was inspired by the solidarity I experienced every day walking beside my colleagues (now friends). It was inspired by the anxiety, the anger, and the humour (let’s not forget the cinnamon buns and coffee) that we all shared. It was inspired by the principles we upheld together, the foundations of a renewed Acadia. I thank you for making me prouder than ever to say WE ARE ACADIA.

And now it’s time for me to shave this fur off my face.