We are family

At the aforementioned funeral, I was in the “reception line.” I’m not family, but the closest thing to it.

Everyone entered, signed in and made their way up the line, which was four of us. They introduced themselves, usually with an explanation of their connection to the deceased.

I was struck by how many in attendance had worked with him, especially since he had been retired over ten years. And, he worked for an extremely large company. The department, however, seemed more like family.

Every day gives us a new perspective on life and this was far from an exception. I was a little different when I returned to work this week.

I met with my associate director to catch up with things. Among those were requests for assistance from employees. We are like family, so they feel free to ask.

My associate director usually gets the requests for pay advances, extra time off or whatever they need when they’re jammed up. She comes to me and makes the case. I’m ultimately responsible for the survival of the operation, along with compliance with the law, policies, etc. She plays the mom and I’m the dad, if you can abide a dated analogy.

My heart wasn’t in the role this week. I approved everything.

One way or another, we’ll find a way to make up the gaps. That’s what families do.