Diane, a former co-worker, was stricken with Cancer & decided to retire. She loved to travel, was the Queen of the Bingo table & was known to enjoy a Manhattan on occasion. She lived her life the way it should be. I think when she knew that was no longer the case, she gave up.
She didn't have any children & her ex hubby died several years ago. Her sisters had been caring for her, but could no longer do it alone. With Diane's blessing, they were moving her to a nursing home - tomorrow. She died last night after a 2-year battle.
When I first started back in ’96, she was one of the first managers to welcome me. I also sat right outside her office.
When my former boss pulled my card for the last time, I was ready to bounce! He had pissed me off with his bullshit one time too many. 2 years was enough!
He called and said something that really pissed me off & I hung up on him (not a good move when that person pays your salary). I decided my junk & me would be gone when he came to his office. I calmly went to the mailroom grabbed 2 boxes and commenced to packing my shit….and some of his too (I’m an office supply junkie.)
Diane was on the phone when her employee came in to speak with her & brought her attention to my packing. She asked her what I was doing & she replied, “It looks like she’s packing her stuff.” Diane dropped her phone & rushed out to me. I told her, “Before this sapsucker reduces me to tears or I catch a case for kicking him square in his fat ass, I have to leave.”
She asked if I had called the HR manager. I did but she wasn’t there & I didn’t have the time to look for her. Well, Diane pleaded with me not to leave. I told her I’d be here long enough to pack my 2nd box & then I’m outta here.
I took one box to my car & came back for the second one. Diane tracked down Nancy, the HR manager & I went to her office to vent – one last time. I told her what happened & she asked if she found another spot in the agency would I be willing to stay. My answer was yes. She asked me to give her 2 weeks and don’t say anything to him unless he asked me to leave. Agreed.
Nancy created a job for me. When her last assistant retired, they decided the position was no longer needed. She re-did the job description & convinced them otherwise. I started as HR assistant, which progressed to HR Coordinator, then HR Generalist, then Asst. HR Manager, now Asst. VP – HR.
I sit here today, 2.5 miles from home, doing something I enjoy, earning a decent salary & have time to mess around with y’all, thanks to Diane.
Wow...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. What type of cancer she had?
*Hug* You just never know how someone will impact your life.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear bout her loss.... But glad to hear she was someone that was able to turn a bad situation around for you... Its always nice to have good people pass through our lives...
ReplyDeleteIt stared in the eye & then they found a spot on her lung 2 years ago. She quit smoking back in '98.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how one person who sees your potential can make all the difference in your career. RIP Diane.
ReplyDeleteAMEN....
ReplyDeletePpl who aren't as hooked into the net as I am don't understand it... but I think of you all as family, some a little closer than others. I believe that a great number of us here have had a profound, positive effect on at least one other life they've touched... and that's what's really important.
This is a nice tribute to her. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDelete((((Hug)))) That was a touching tribute. RIP.
ReplyDeleteI had to search back, but it started as a melanoma tumor in her eye that spread to the lungs & kidneys.
ReplyDelete((Hugs)) Sounds like she was a beautiful person and a wonderful blessing to you. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI'll be at her visitation this evening. She'll be laid to rest tomorrow. She worked at the agency for almost 20 years & we're having a memorial celebration for her next week.
ReplyDelete