Now that November is upon us, we are officially in the “holiday season” and most people are starting to think about Thanksgiving as it approaches. It is the time of year to reflect on what we are thankful for. This year I am thankful for good relationships. I know it sounds simple, but it is very true. I am constantly reminded of it every day. Now, more than ever.
A few months ago, I got COVID. It kicked me in the butt and was a very unpleasant experience to say the least. Never felt anything like it.
I am healthy, work out every day, and eat the way I should. Most of the time, I have so much energy my employees, cautiously, ask me to “dial it back a notch”. I always laugh because I know what they’re saying without coming right out and saying it.
But when I got COVID, I experienced something new. It was the first time in my life where I have had to stay in bed for several days. It was quite the journey. Not one I ever hope to take again and nothing I would wish on anyone.
What I didn’t know then, but do now, was that my employees were more worried about me than I realized. They weren’t worried about the future of their jobs, if I didn’t make it. They all knew they could find other jobs. They were truly concerned about my well-being.
It took three weeks for me to feel where I had fully recovered. Upon the request of my employees, I stayed at home for a fourth week. It was probably a good idea and I acquiesced.
Thanks to technology, we kept in touch during this long month. For many years, cell phones, laptops, and WIFI have always been part of our practice. Three years ago, we added a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and a secure data center…never realizing at the time how important it would be this year.
Now I am “back in action” to the relief and maybe chagrin of those around me. But I am back.
The point of my story is that I am thankful for good relationships. I didn’t know at the time how worried or concerned that Carla, Kara, Austin, and Jennifer were about me. But am very grateful they helped me keep everything covered. They did an amazing job. We make a great team.