My Boss

Molly and I have started getting everything in order to move next year. We’re preparing our house to be put back on the market, Molly has started a day care to earn money for closing costs on the next house we buy, and we have starting looking at the markets in several areas around the nation in which we would like to move to. (Tucson Arizona is my pick). And as we’re excited to start this new adventure in our life, we’re also saddened by the relationships we’ll be leaving behind. But the relationship I’m going to miss the most, is the one between Don, (my boss), his wife, and my family. When I first started this job a couple years ago, I was so horrible at what I did that Dons’ boss told him he needed to replace me, and quickly. Don explained, in so many words, that if they wanted me gone, then they were going to have to remove him as well. I remember this day very clearly because Don came into my office that afternoon and started to prepare me for when he wasn’t around.

Since then, I’ve greatly improved and am now ready to take on much more responsibility, which is why we’ll be leaving next year. However; it’s what Don did thru-out the past couple years that has made the decision to move, so hard. Don did all of the normal things that a boss is supposed to do, for example, I am currently years ahead of my peers because Don has: forced me to familiarize myself with our business finances, involve myself with programs used for resident dining, and work with the catering processes. These areas have nothing to do with my immediate position, but have prepared me to take on much more responsibility for when we move. But what he demonstrated last night while I was away on business is what makes Don a person who will be truly missed.

Only our close friends know this, but I have been dealing with some major issues and addictions for a little over 21 years now, (since I was 8). And as these addictions worsen, they continue to bring severe consequences to myself and my family in everything that we do, and almost everywhere we go…and in many instances, they have put my life at risk. Part of the reason Molly and I moved into a place so desolate was because most of the problems resulted from living by large cities. We figured if get away from it all, then I could possibly start to improve. Our bishop calls me every once in awhile to see how I’m doing and my parents are always checking up on my progress and refuse to give up on me as well. Since living here, and with the help of family and friends, I have made drastic improvements and have finally started down a more pleasant track. But what I didn’t expect was what came from Don.

I had a business trip scheduled for 2 days in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s these trips that Molly and I both dread and fear because it’s these exact trips that keep putting me two steps back. In the past, Don has gone out of his way to not send me out of town if he doesn’t have to, or to go with me if he can. I recently found out that he and his wife even pray for our family every week, specifically to help with the situations I’ve put myself in. Last night, I called Molly a little after checking into my room. We talked while room service brought up my food. Molly usually gives me encouragement during these trips. Then the unexpected happened. Don called… to make sure I was doing okay. Then a couple hours later, I got a phone call again. Don wanted to make sure I was still doing okay.

I always expect to hear from Molly, my parents, and our bishop, but I never thought that I would have a boss who cared just as much about me as Don does. From the moment we got to Orange City, Molly and I have felt as though Heavenly Father helped get us here for a reason, but we weren’t sure what it was. Now we know. I am grateful to be living in area of the nation that has helped me get my priorities straight… and even more grateful to have the boss that I do. Oh, and the trip was the 2nd successful trip I’ve made. We’re becoming more confident in our decision to move back to a larger city now.