A sort of homecoming
I’m back working with my friends and co-workers at the Processing and Distribution Center, at least for the next two weeks. If only the circumstances weren’t marked by sorrow.
I found out that a friend and fellow co-worker, Mary Rowe passed away earlier this week. The news hit like a wave of disbelief crashing the shore of my soul. I held it together as best as possible while doing data entry. On the subway ride home, I started to think about her. The word that came to mind was joy. It was impossible to be in a bad mood around her. She kept her cool even in times when copping an attitude seemed like a better option. A model of poise I could strive to be. The lasting image takes me back to the morning of Friday December 27th, 2013. I was interviewing for the permanent Donation/Dispatch Associate position and was my typical nervy self. She sees me, and couldn’t run fast enough to hug me. In that one moment, all my nerves disappeared and from that I was able to give the best interview I’ve had so far. All the confidence came back to me in ways that don’t come out naturally. She was a positive influence on me, I will always be in gratitude for being in her presence every Tuesday and Thursday from last June to last October and for the two weeks of the first stint a month ago. I didn’t know her nearly as well as my co-workers did, but I miss her already.
I got an e-mail from my supervisor the next morning, stating that work had opened up for me. I was reluctant to answer the call given the previous day’s events. There wasn’t the joy that usually comes with finding out that I’d be working again just sadness at the present situation. But the opportunity was open and I couldn’t say no. I realize the previous statement makes me sound evil and callous.
It was a nerve-wracking walk to the warehouse this morning. But the day still had to go on, for better or worse. Even if it was exactly a month since I last walked past the door, everyone kept reminding me that it was a long time since they’ve last seen me. I took a measure of joy in the fact that my presence was welcomed back with open arms. But I saw the piles of donation receipts on the table and with the fact that I had to leave early today, I took to getting everything sorted out. I finished with about half an hour to spare and all I was able to get done after that was a Certificate of Insurance for another co-worker before leaving for my appointment.
This time, I’m there Monday & Friday of next week and the same for the following week but they’ll be full days of work. Yes, I’m in the same situation I was in a month ago and it will come to an end two weeks later. But I embrace the situation with the same verve for life that my departed co-worker brought on a daily basis. Who knows what will come of this, but I’m happy to be back in good company and you can’t ask for much more than that.
