Blow Your Whistle to Let the Rest of the World Know You're Coming!
On September 8 I will be in my current job for two years. One of the men instrumental in getting me into this position retired last October. I can't really call him a friend because we didn't get to know one another that well in the year that I worked with him. So I will call him a colleague. Anyway, I was cleaning out my desk last week and found a copy of the farewell note he'd written to us upon his departure and want to share those words here. He could make you laugh with one word, told some great stories known and any time you'd encounter him in the hallway he'd be singing, usually Motown. He's the type of man who either inspires extreme loyalty or extreme hatred in the people who cross his path. I don't think there's much in between. From what I learned about him he lived by two simple axioms. NEVER LET ANYONE ELSE CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS and I WANT ALL I GOT COMING TO ME. The latter is oft quoted here in the office, usually at our monthly birthday get togethers! Love him or hate him he knows what he's talking about:
"As I depart it is important that I convey my appreciation to each of you for the support each has shown me through the years. Time always reveals the true character of people and with each of you the years have uncovered unique persons that I am proud to call my colleagues and my friends.
In leaving it is difficult to say goodbye, so I won’t. I am walking away with a promise to come back and see you when I can and I will refresh my memory as often as possible with your faces, your laughter, your stories and our journey together.
You are all important people who have gained my respect and gratitude for the great job that you do.
P.S. Don’t forget to feel every emotion life has to offer and blow your whistle to let the rest of the world know you’re coming!"
After reading his words upon his departure I started a whistle collection. I keep them all on my keychain and have, to date, seven. Each is a different color, size and has a different sound. Keep your ears open. If you hear a whistle you'll know I'm coming!
"As I depart it is important that I convey my appreciation to each of you for the support each has shown me through the years. Time always reveals the true character of people and with each of you the years have uncovered unique persons that I am proud to call my colleagues and my friends.
In leaving it is difficult to say goodbye, so I won’t. I am walking away with a promise to come back and see you when I can and I will refresh my memory as often as possible with your faces, your laughter, your stories and our journey together.
You are all important people who have gained my respect and gratitude for the great job that you do.
P.S. Don’t forget to feel every emotion life has to offer and blow your whistle to let the rest of the world know you’re coming!"
After reading his words upon his departure I started a whistle collection. I keep them all on my keychain and have, to date, seven. Each is a different color, size and has a different sound. Keep your ears open. If you hear a whistle you'll know I'm coming!