Ten years ago tonight, I experienced what I thought was the worst thing that could happen to me professionally. I didnt say good-bye to the family that I had created the four years they worked for me. And they did work for me, not just for a paycheck. Each and everyone of them worked as a family to make sure that all the members were doing their best and taken care of. They had pride in what they did and each other. I expected them to be the best, and they were!! They still are. I looked on that night as a turning point for me. I was not going to be the restaurant owner. I was not going to be the leader. I was going to be lost. Murray and I took my 18 foot tall china cabinet and my two English satin settees and loaded them up with tears from the foyer. They had come from my home where they were returned. As I walked around in the dark, one last time.......I remembered all the laughter, fun, hard work, and loyal customers that had made the four years fly by. I grabbed a bottle of Dom from the cooler and stood on the bar. I had done a lot on that bar over the years and I had to say good-bye properly. I walked every inch in a pair of 5 inch heels and soaked in all the happiness that the place had given me....... The first six months were rough and I drove everyone crazy as a stay at home Mom after I left. Every time I opened up the refrigerator and saw the box of Dom Pérignon I felt lost and sad. Over the next year, I slowly found a new passion and the sadness was not as great. And then something amazing happened........... I was reminded of something I had said repeatedly to my employees as a Dominos Pizza franchisee. I had told each and everyone of my employees at Dominos and at The Pasta Grill, I can never be your friend as the owner. Someday you will leave or I will ask you to leave, and I can not do that to a friend. I am your employer! When I sold the Dominos Pizza franchise I got to be my old employees friends for the first time. WOW! I had looked at that night ten years ago all wrong. It was not the worst night, it was the best night! I wish I had embraced it then. I was not leaving a restaurant behind, I was making all of the best people in the world my friends. The family we made there is still a family to this day!! They were not just co-workers, they were brothers and sisters to each other and me. They still cheer for me and I for them. We celebrate each other in our triumphs and are a shoulder to lean on in the darkness. How blessed I am to be surrounded with such a great extended family. They are not just the folks that invite us to their weddings, parties, and celebrations, they are the ones that show up in a moments notice to collect for those in need, help each other move, volunteer to help in each others charity work, fix the flat tire, give someone a ride home, and keep in touch. They have not let the years and time separate them. Someday they will all drink from that bottle of Dom. They will remember the Pasta Wench after I have past and I know they will tell stories that will be handed down to their children as all good family stories do. I love each and everyone of you! You made my children by blood, a part of your family, and for that I can never express my gratitude fully. My selfish bonus is that I know you will make any woman that Murray dates, after my death, life a living hell. That just makes me smile from ear to ear!! Tonight I celebrate ten years of new friendships and a family that will never be pulled apart!! Thank you all. ( I cant tag all 62 of you, but please know I am talking about each and everyone).
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:01:22 +0000
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