The Greatest Gift An Employer Has Ever Given Me

One year ago today my career came to halt.  I have worked since I was 15 back then I had to get permission to have a "real job" as I was just shy of being the legal age of 16.  Over the years I have worked for a few wonderful companies and people and I have worked for some places I would prefer to forget but we all have had those.  My current employer whom I am on sick leave with is an interesting place ( I will leave it at that), the only time I hear from them is when they need help and it seems as an afterthought they ask how I am...I just answer their question for help, for if there is one thing I trust it's my intuition and I know most (not all) who ask are not being sincere they didn't care when I was there, so why should I think they do when I am not.

The other day I went to my mom's I still have stuff stored there and we are going through it and purging. One  of the few things I have brought home with me and what made me think of work is the best present I ever received from one of my places of employment that I was sad to leave but circumstances at that time in my life required me to have to give it up.  Due to changes in economic times this company has since closed, but since that time I keep searching for a place of employment like this knowing it will not likely happen again in my lifetime. I do wish every employer could take a lesson from Michal and Barry to learn what it takes to make employee's work feel of value and happy to work where they are. It does not take a lot of money (you hear that all the time from employees when asked)  I smiled and felt as valued today as I record this, as the day I received it. It's worth sharing in the hopes anyone in the business world can see (at least to me) how to show genuine appreciation for their employees and how little it takes:

This is a gift of love. In the LOVE BOX you will find:
Water
Something for your Spirit
Something for your Heart
and Hope for the world.
We would also like to share with you some love projects of our own.
May you keep your hearts open and healthy for 2000.
Much love and respect,
Michal & Barry

LOVE BOX

RAINWATER
This rainwater is gathered from the roof of our home in Dominica. Drink or sprinkle the pure Dominican rainwater on your body and visualize the cleansing of your body and receive good health.

SPIRIT
Sweep this broom lightly across the front of your body as you visualize your spirit in the new millennium. Release the old and enter the new.

HOPE
The only hope for the world is love.

HEART
The giving and receiving of love. Carry these love stones with you. One stone reminding you of our love for you, and one stone to pass on to someone who may be in need of this heartfelt gift.

OUR LOVE PROJECTS TO THE MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
"Helpful Hand" guides the younger hand of humanity that strives to learn and grow.  Barry and I, family and friends, and strangers, have contributed clothing, finances, time and school supplies to allow preschool children and grade school children an opportunity - to learn and grow.

GIVING YOU STRENGTH
An extra gift, a circle of strength as you need to help you get through the loss of your sister.

This truly is the greatest gift ever given to me by an employer, I hope you can all feel this valued and loved in your career someday.