Today I celebrated twenty years with the company that I work for. Twenty years!
In 1989 the record of the year was Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin, the cost of a US stamp was twenty-five cents, Lucille Ball died at age 87, and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction was awarded to Anne Tyler for Breathing Lessons.
I was a thirty-year old woman, my children were eleven and nine, and I was driven to move us forward into a life that, at that time, existed only in my mind.
I could never have fathomed the changes that would take place in the next twenty years. I have changed careers, survived more than one company downsizing (Or rightsizing as they say now. Yuck.), moved to Washington State, and watched the closure of the office in Canada where I first worked.
The celebration was bitter-sweet for me in some ways. Of all the great people I worked with when I started with this company only a handful remain, and only one with whom I still work. In twenty years, one would expect there to have been retirements, and departures due to attrition, but the significant loss of co-workers due to the change in the economy and the business climate is a heart-breaking thing to ponder.
Don’t get me wrong, I still work with a world-class group of individuals, but tonight my mind is on those I started out with twenty years ago in a tiny Business Systems department in Canada.
My manager, Bob – He was an English man of integrity and grace who always did the right thing for his employees. Forced to retire, perhaps before he was ready.
Ray – an English curmudgeon of a man who frustrated me to no end at times. Retired many years ago when he reached that age.
Ed – a man with a sense of humor and tales to tell from his childhood that kept us entertained many an afternoon. Retired when he was ready.
Wanda – She is still my very best friend. We shared the best of times, and the worst of times over the years. Retired.
Dan – Retired. He had a nickname for everyone he came into contact with. I was known as Linda Lou.
Barb – A behind-the-scenes girl who had a great sense of humor. Once, when I left my pencil in her office she sent me an email telling me that she was holding it hostage and if I didn’t do something-or-another she would take the lead out! Outsourced and then terminated due to changes in the company.
Norma – Retired, also perhaps before she was ready due to downsizing. I bet she’s square dancing and having a grand time these days.
Pete – The last man standing, a man of integrity and someone I consider a friend. He, alone remains.
So today, I raise a glass to toast these who have crossed my path. Each one has left an impression, each one is remembered with a smile on my face.
nice post.
A bittersweet sentiment today, crossing paths. I think we've all had a Ray or a Barb or a Wanda in our lives and so on some level, know just what you mean. Congrats on your 20 Years, and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving too 🙂
So crucial a place those people have taken up in your memory! And a lovely tribute.
Congrats on your 20 years, and all that's brought you happiness in that time, Linda.
Things sure have changed a lot haven't they? Graham still works there, (although it's now Domtar) and oddly, he's celebrating 20 years on Dec 28th. I never realized you two started the same year! Bittersweet indeed! So glad you kept some good friends! Congratulations on 20 years!
What a lovely post to all those people. I bet they would be pleased to know how you thought of them. It is mighty unusual today to work so long for one company. I worked 15 years for one and can't believe I did.
Hope your holiday is wonderful!
Madison – thank you!
Joanne – Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Janna – The more time goes by the more I realize how much it's the people that count…not the job.
Carmen – I know – it's crazy how many changes there have been. I'm gladd that Graham is hanging in there….
Loved this post…
Taking a few hours to read some favorite blogs…one of my favorite things to do and something I have done very little of in recent days. You still have time to stop by my holiday blog and be eligible for 2 great giveaways…..
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