Hi, [Tugman Volunteer Services Lead].

I have a predicament.

On one hand, I want to establish a reliable relationship with you. I want you to know I'm dependable and you can count on me. This is really important to me.

On the other hand, I really need to go home to Kentucky at some point. It is very likely the last time I will ever see my mother. This is really important to me too.

I was going to go this summer, but I couldn't turn down the Humbug position. Not only is it my favorite place on earth (literally), I get to experience it with the bustling summer activity of the coast!

And I was looking forward to the same kind of experience at Tugman in September, when the park is likely quite busy and active and I'd be responsible for greeting new visitors as relief host.

I really can't tell you how much it meant to me you extended the offer to me and I want more than anything to do it. But I have a problem...

I started making plans to go home this winter and remembered why I came to Oregon in the first place: winters are harsh in Kentucky and the parks are closed. I literally can't travel there then.

After Umpqua in April, I spend two months at Humbug. I'd like to go home after that. But this means backing out of my September assignment at Tugman.

I know that you would accept this. But I need more than that from you. I need to know you understand how torn I feel about it and that it's not a reflection of my future reliability or passion for working with you at your parks. And I need to
know this won't hurt me - as you know I already backed out of the very dumb decision to go to a day use area away from the coast, and I have no idea how that information appears in your systems.

I'm trying to build a new life here, but my old life has some loose ends I need to confront. Can you help me?

Sam