A former Illinois Walmart employee captured the attention of millions when he released a heartfelt farewell message on his last day on the job.
Gail Lewis, who worked at a Walmart in Morris, Illinois, for 10 years, was overcome with emotion as she expressed her recognition to her fellow employees.
Her farewell video, which has been viewed more than 20 million times since it was uploaded to TikTok on November 16, begins with a simple hello, but then shows Lewis sitting in her car talking about how hard her job is. It goes on to explain what is going on. And her 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 were watching my back. I looked at their stuff. they helped me. I helped them. ”
Mr. Lewis seemed to be looking forward to what the future holds, even though the employment issue has come to a close.
“…Wherever you go, you’re better off where you are,” she said. “That’s all.”
For now, the former Walmart employee is keeping quiet about where she’ll go next.
Lewis’ farewell sparked thousands of reactions on TikTok, with many resharing the video and sending comments thanking Lewis for his service and congratulating him on his 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.”
NBC Chicago reached out to Lewis & Walmart Inc. for comment, but had not yet received a response as of Saturday night.