Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I 'get' that very few people 'get' my office.

Many of my coworkers are not just colleagues, they're friends. We work in a very pleasant atmosphere (yes, of course there are ups and downs) and I like going into work. I like my job, the people, the atmosphere - and I'm not the only one who feels this way. There is no short term turnaround in our place, we have many people with 20+ years of service - even a few with over 30 years. I'm up to 14 years, myself. There is no massive exodus at 4pm many times you gab your way out the door 1/2 hour or more after your finishing time. There are socializing events outside of work, retirement parties, birthday parties, we have each others phone numbers, speak on weekends, know the husbands, wives and kids.

Yesterday we went into work to find out that one of our friends passed away Friday. I've worked with him on every single project since I started with the company, we had many things in common and lots to talk about. After the shock hit, I verbalized it with another one of the guys (as it happens, he's now one of the owners). I felt like I'd lost one of my brothers. It sounds ridiculous that you can feel that kind of closeness with someone you work with but there it is. I got through the day right up until DH asked me how my day was. I told him, the waterworks started, and he understood immediately 'oh no, your friend Steve'. They had only met once but DH had heard plenty of 'Steve stories' over the years. The emptiness will not go away quickly.

Rest in peace, Steve - I'll miss you ...

5 comments:

  1. Sorry for your loss.
    Considering most people in full-time employment spend more time with their work colleagues than their families it's not at all surprising that you feel this way.
    You are indeed lucky to have such a pleasant work place where you can all support each other at this difficult time.

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  2. I'm so sorry, Claire... <3
    Soft hug,
    Rhonda in Montreal

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  3. I'm sorry, Claire. The joy of having a friendly workplace is small consolation when you lose a friend from that place. My thoughts are with you.

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss Claire.

    Take Care.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. I actually understand - the people you work with should feel like family - we often spend more time with them than with our actual family. It's hard. {{hugs}} g

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