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.
