Monday, September 1, 2014

Labor Day

Amazingly enough, Labor Day was productive in the Blair household. Some cleaning got done (which is a miracle in itself), some volunteering got done, and some introspection happened, too.

The introspection is probably at the top of my list. My BFF texted me this morning to tell me that a mutual friend of ours had passed away Friday. He was her boss, and my client. I remember him well and love him dearly. Many a lazy afternoon we would spend talking Baylor and/or Texas Tech football, or him showing me photos of his precious grandbaby, or me listening to hours of fly-fishing stories. Terry knew how to spin a yarn, and he was a passionate guy. I was fascinated, and I loved working on his stuff, too. No matter what the project, whether difficult or simple, mundane or exciting, the good clients make everything worthwhile and make me remember why I do what I do.

Another client left me this week--just to Kansas, though. His departure is still rough. When he came to the national office, a friend of mine told me that I would "love Mark." He turned out to be right. Mark was the easiest client I ever had. He explained things, and he let me in on his plans. I knew what to expect, and in return I tried to give him the same. He taught me a lot about leadership, planning, and (maybe most of all) making work fun. Thank you, Mark, for the Disney tips! How can you not be the best client ever with all the insider's knowledge of Disney World, I ask?

So, good-bye, Terry, until we meet again. Enjoy heaven's version of Philmont. And as for you, Mark, I'll see you soon. Isn't it funny how things never stay the same?