Adjourning

As I look back on my adult life I can see many times when I was asked to work in a group.  When I think of the adjourning phase it is difficult to remember how each unique group finished.  It seems that many simply disbanded with no clear end or finally.  The most difficult group for me to leave was the first staff I worked with when I came to Head Start.  This group wasn't the most high-performing group I was a part of, and I didn't have too much in common with each of the members.  However we had come to know each other by working closely with each other everyday.  We worked through a lot of change and helped each other overcome some difficult circumstances.  When it came time for us to go our separate ways we said farewell with a simple luncheon, and that was it.  Many of the groups I have worked with end in this way, and I wish there was more of a recap of sorts.  A way to gauge what was done and how well the group stayed true to its purpose.  As for the group of colleagues I have become a part of through this master's degree; I'm not sure how this will adjourn.  It is certainly different from my cohort group for my undergrad degree.  What end could it have?  I just can't imagine it yet.  Adjourning is essential because it brings the work full circle.  From the beginning to the end it brings closure and makes progress on the goals that were set out in the early stages.