Remembering Kindnesses

"But every memory of friendship shared, even for a short time, is a treasure, like sunshine and warmth in our lives, like a cool breeze on a humid day, like a shower of warmth refreshing the earth."

~ Author unknown

I have been remembering two former work colleagues this week because their birthdays are today and tomorrow.  It has been more than 18 years since I worked with these two gentlemen -- one a veteran administrator, the other a priest -- but I remember them fondly and greatly appreciate their many kindnesses toward me. 

In my first management position, I was the only woman on the senior staff of the organization where we worked and I was younger than my male colleagues.  These two gentlemen always treated me with respect and with kindness, and I learned a lot working with them.  Along the way, we became friends.  The priest concelebrated my wedding.  And several years later, when I walked into the church for my grandmother's funeral, I saw him and the two other priests who had concelebrated my wedding standing there and I was filled with gratitude.  When I became incredibly nervous about an upcoming minor surgery, the other gentleman kindly shared his personal experience with surgery to alleviate my anxiety.  My former colleagues and I spent a lot of time together years ago -- many work lunches, special events and more meetings than we care to remember.  But I can say that it was always fun -- and if it wasn't, I don't remember.  I also felt they always had my back.

I had not seen the priest in years as he moved away, but he was in town last year and we met for dinner.  We now keep in touch by email.  Last week, he emailed me and mentioned our former boss' announced retirement and the passing of someone else.  "Things are passing on, but we have the good memories of good times," he wrote.  The many kindnesses that these two gentlemen shared with me are forever in my heart.