The things that really matter...

So this week has been...tough. A good friend and co-worker passed away and it was surely a shock to all of us. As we've been going through the motions and making sure that our building keeps running as if nothing has happened - at the same time feeling the loss of part of our "family" - it's made me reflect on a lot of things. I've had moments of tears and moments of laughter. I've watched my co-workers and saw them have the same experiences - we all deal differently. It's also brought to my mind my memories of Glen.

You know one of the last things I heard him say was "I believe in Christ as my Savior with all my heart". Wow...I think he would be really happy to know that it is THAT phrase that I remember him saying best. I know I would be happy if it were me. Glen did know that...and he showed it in his caring and interactions with others. So - when YOU go...what do you want your final words to be? Glen should be proud of his.

Glen was a seriously dedicated employee. He was the custodian for our building and trust me...it's HUGE and it was JUST him. But we got compliments on a daily basis about the condition of our building. So many times I've had people ask if the building was brand new...and they were surprised when I told them it was 8 yrs old. My response - we have a great staff who really care about this building and do a great job. Glen's pride and joy was in his work. It didn't matter the actual task - he hung his hat on how well the job was done. And Glen - the job was done extremely well - and it will never be the same. So when YOU go...don't you want to be remembered as someone who was honest, hard working, had a strong work ethic and irreplaceable? Glen is.

I said before - Glen was genuinely kind and caring. I couldn't pass him in the hallway without him asking me how I was doing and about my life/family/stress levels, etc. He cared about me. I cared about him and I certainly hope he knows that. So when YOU go...don't you want to be remembered as someone who loved? Glen is.

Glen was a family man. He loved his family. He wasn't married, but he was a son, a brother, an uncle, and a GREAT uncle. And he was so proud of his family and loved them very much. The day he became a great uncle he was so excited. He told me all about this miracle baby that was just born and he couldn't wait for his shift to be over so he could go and be with his family. So when YOU go...don't you want to be remembered as someone who loved your family and put them as a top priority? Glen is.

Glen was the custodian of the building, but in reality Glen was so much more. Glen was a jack of ALL trades. He knew how to fix, clean, make anything - come up with logical solutions to problems we had at the center - he was very multi-dimensional. Glen was smart and philosophical and well read. He was always good for an interesting conversation. Sometimes his ideas might have been eccentric, but you know in a world of people who seem to have no opinion - it's a little refreshing. I've always valued education. It's been a big part of my life and I've always strived to get as much education as I could. So Glen impressed me with his vast knowledge. So when YOU go...don't you want to be remembered as someone who broke all the stereotypes, who went the extra mile to be extraordinary, who was intelligent and a value to the team in more than just one way? Glen is.

Tying to the last point a little bit. Glen wasn't prideful. Before I worked with him at the center I had a few experiences working with him at some large city events. I was in charge of staffing and would assign people responsibilities. Glen was one of those who NEVER complained and worked hard at anything. And I'll be completely honest - he got the short end of the stick sometimes. There were certainly those times that I needed someone I could depend on for a pretty taxing/annoying/crappy job...and I would give it to Glen. I tried to balance it out and be fair...but Glen was definitely one of my "go-to" people that I knew would accept the job and do it well...without complaint...and I know without a doubt that he'd give me suggestions of how to make it better. Cause Glen always strove to be better and more efficient. I appreciated it then...I appreciate it now...and I hope that I will learn from him and become a person like that as well. So when YOU go...don't you want to be remembered as a person who will put pride aside and do what is best for the team? Glen is.

Glen was not perfect and he made his share of mistakes...but he was a part of our family and we cared about him and we will miss him greatly. He will not be forgotten and we are grateful for the experiences we got to have with him.