Leadership in a Pandemic

Over the past 2 months, there have been days where I wondered how I found myself in this role; in this situation; in this time. Many times I have wondered why not someone else? Why me? As I wrote in my post on "Lessons from a Pandemic" I have employees telling me what they have learned and taking pictures, so we can make them a book of sorts to keep forever. This morning was one of those mornings when I wondered about why. Then I received this note from an employee, and it tells me why me; why this role; why this time.  It gave me the fortitude to continue pressing forward. 

Good morning,

 First thank you for asking this question because now I can say it out loud to myself. I have learned that I should never put off spending time with my family for anything. I would put off family events because I was working or tired or didn't want to make the trip. All my family live in Chicago so I would hold off events because that's the easy way out. I regret not having appreciation for my family the way I should have. It hurts not being able to squeeze and kiss them. I'm a believer that things happen for a reason and I feel this was my eye opener not to hold hate in my heart at myself or this situation. I love the time I have with the boys now we eat breakfast together, tell each other jokes I watch them play their video games, I have started baking and am enjoying it. In all I learned to be positive and keep hope, there is no greater gift than family and am grateful I have one. Thank you Mary Ann because of you I have hope.