A former Walmart employee in Illinois reacted after learning her farewell message from her last day at work went viral and was seen by millions of people.
Gail Lewis, who worked at a Walmart in Morris, Illinois, for 10 years, called the response to her message “a dream.”
Lewis expressed gratitude for the love and support in a Facebook message to NBC Chicago.
“…I can’t really express my gratitude in words. It’s like a dream. I never expected this work to receive so much attention.”
Her message came after her signoff to a fellow employee caught the attention of Morris residents on social media and then spread to TikTok.
Lewis was overcome with emotion when they said goodbye.
“Attention Walmart. This is Gail Lewis, a 10-year associate. Signing out at 844, Morris, Illinois,” Lewis said as he signed off for the final time. “good night.”
The video of her breakup, which has been viewed more than 20 million times since it was uploaded to TikTok on November 16, begins with a short hello, then shows Lewis sitting in his car talking about how much she missed him. Let’s move on to the scene where we explain. Her work and colleagues are important to her.
Leaving Walmart was “happy and sad,” she explained.
The Walmart employees said they were grateful to be able to find work elsewhere, but sad to be leaving their co-workers who had become like family over the years.
“I’ve been through a lot with them,” she said. “They watched my back. I watched theirs. They helped me. I helped them.”
Despite closing the employment chapter, Lewis seemed to be looking forward to the next step.
“…Wherever you go, you’re better off where you are,” she said. “That’s all.”
Lewis’ departure sparked thousands of reactions on TikTok, with many resharing the video and sending comments thanking her for her contribution and congratulating her on her new job.
The approval also caught the attention of residents of Morris, about 110 miles southwest of Chicago, who shared their congratulations in a community Facebook group.
“Gail, you were one of the good ones! Good luck on your new adventures!” one poster commented.
“Good luck for the future Gail,” said another. “It was an honor to work with you and call you a friend. I love you so much.”
Morris store manager Carrie Moses said through Walmart Corporation:
“We are grateful for Gail’s service at our Morris, Illinois store and will greatly miss her. We wish her all the best in her future opportunities.”
Lewis said he has already started a new job and “loves it” but cannot reveal where he will be working due to the amount of attention he is receiving.