1000 happy days - Day 267

Today I attended my career hero's retirement party.  Yes, the Great one has ended his career with our company, and he leaves in his wake a sea of people who admire and respect him to no end.  It was truly inspiring to hear about him, his family, and his crazy crazy crazy career.  I have to say, this man's combination of achievements and unwavering positive attitude is so rare, I felt the need to blog about it.  He's impacted people in all four comers of the earth, drawing recognition and accolades from all kinds of international entities, calling him a definite influence on the industry.  And this same man remembers every person's name and strengths on the shop floor.  He makes people feel that they are awesome.  That he sees them.  That he appreciates them.  That is a priceless gift, to be able to make others feel elevated as he so easily does.  And that's the thing - he does all this seemingly effortlessly.  

It's the mark of a Master.  

He's got it all!  I'm sad he's gone, but so very happy to have known him, if even in any small way.  It is truly my blessing.  I promised him I would do what I could to emulate all the positive qualities I've learned from his example.  I hope to make him proud one day!  

Funny stories:  He's met my entire family!  No one else on the senior executive team at my company has met my entire family! Hahahaha!  :) He's always known my father, as they worked together back in the day.  He met my sister as we all 3 boarded a plane to Japan - we were heading off on vacation and he was off on business.  :) I will never forget how he interacted with my sister, I still love that sparkle in his eye when meeting someone new!  He met my mom and I at a funeral, and he proceeded to tell my mom about our family, and how our company was lucky to have us there.  He said, "what would we do without your family?  You have a wonderful family!"  He was so sweet and kind of cheeky!  That memory still makes me laugh. :) My mom, dad and sister all recall their interactions with him as being positive and impactful - more happy memories.   

My happy moment for the day was being able to meet with him today, share a moment together, allowing myself to take in his praise and encouragement of me :), shake his hand and wish him well. :)

I hope he fully enjoys his retirement, and I really do hope to see him working again somewhere exciting after the summer!  Congratulations, mister Hero!  You're the best I know!!!!!

❤❤❤

:)