The first time my eyes met Ess July 2009….. I had taken two months off work due to unfortunate bad health. Human resources, ticking boxes, required a health interview and part time routine breaking me back into full time work. I arrive back to work on a new project, new office and see many new faces. Two new females, greet me. Well, one actually greeted me. The girl that did not greet me had been hired to fill my shoes. I felt vulnerable returning after two months leave. Trying to sprite up, muster strength from recovery time off, due to a demanding role. During my leave off work, due to poor health, I hear my step mother be told, she had 6-12 months to live. This makes me try to get a grip with my health, after witnessing the news my step mom had been given. Human nature, it adds to my stress. Selfish I know.
I walk into unusual eco, accessible for all, temporary portacabins. This is highly professional due to the project scale and value. I remember putting on a top professional, confident woman outfit. to boost my moral, ignore my health de-lapse experienced and ignite confidence. When I arrived for my fit and healthy work interview, with a director, Ess, out of the two ladies was the first to greet me. I admit, I felt she looked me up and down, but I picked up on her smile, professional mask and a kind curiosity about me as I felt for her.
So, from that moment on, we bonded. A fun hearted, lovely lady, who worked for her wages to look after herself. And so, the story begins. She shared some blond moments, taught quiet a few, asked lots of questions and had lots going on behind the work scene. As we shared working days, we got closer and shared our highs and lows amongst the administration duties, JD's unpredictable diary and many busy times of the Selly Oak NR 2 project. She was going through some difficult times. As we all do. She always seemed to have strength, courage and a smile. I had to step in one day, and take over when I knew she needed time out and a check in on very bad leg injury. Rocky, her big butch dog had dragged her down the road, pulling her to the floor causing server open leg wounds, very close to getting septic. Ouch! I remember her poor painful expression, eyes and hearing her crying. Holding my hand when the A & E nurse took off bandages, she had wrapped on. Sure we laughed about it later. I still insist. to make a fortune Ess should write a novel on the tales of "Ess and Rocky" the rottweiler. It didn’t help Ess, that lots of other challenges were demanding this young lady at the time.
Ess recovers. Get's herself back to work, amongst the many other upsets and challenges. A strong and wise young lady. We share moments, work and fun again. Then, a lesson in life and our friendship which has since developed. We have a big break down in communication. We fall out. No talking at all. We have to carry on the work routine, but we no longer speak as friends for months. It took my Sahara Desert trek experience, and return from that journey, and time lost, for me to offer Ess a chocolate and reignite our friendship. I am proud that I followed my gut that day, and Ess accepted a genuine gift. Onwards and upwards.
I will miss Ess in the work environment. The selfish part of me wants Ess to be sitting in her chair when I walk in Monday morning. To hear her random funny comments, and odd rants. The young and wise comments and support Ess shares. The work situation is not good. Ess has made a wise, intelligent change to her next chapter. We shared a great, BIG, long hug. A few tears, and sentimental, meaningful words. I miss Ess so much already. When I watched her leave today, after almost two years sharing five days of each week of our lives together. But! New chapters start, and we will keep in contact. Ess, as I have told you again and again. No worries, you will bring life to your new place of work. Make new friends. They are privileged to have you. Love you loads. As said, when we hugged, our friendship, although not seeing each other daily, will remain and grow stronger. xxxx
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