Another Man's Shoes, Soon to be Empty

As tough as things were, I was surprised at my new job to find someone who had it tougher. This was a place of job security, of easy, relaxed complacency: nobody scream, you'll get things done, just do your best and take your time.



It's never a perfect world. No bunnies or unicorns bringing you candy and carrying you off to dreamland. He stood there at the team-building event, where he was asked to talk about himself, and talked about other people. About how grateful he was that he had their help, and that they'd helped him cope with his personal battles, even though this was a workplace, and these things aren't supposed to be aired in a "professional" environment.



He'd spent the past year dying. He still came to work. Even when he had to be driven home. Even when his boss finally said, "Go home and get well, so you can come back to us sooner." All of us knowing that wasn't going to be what happened.



He has 6 weeks to live. Maybe. And he's still sending thank-yous down the grapevine, for all the cards and the well-wishes.



Thank you, my friend. For being positive. For knowing that that's truly the only way to make the most of your time.