Happy Birthday, Steve

I've been on a small blogging break this week while dealing with more health issues and will be back next week. However, I'm back for a short minute today as I'm full of so many emotions.

In June, it will have been two years since I lost someone very dear to me in a very tragic, work related, accident. It was a horrific day, that ended in a phone call from OSHA giving me the devastating news. A day that will be engraved in my brain until I take my last breath.

Not only was Steve my boss, but he was a dear friend. He was a second father, confidant, and my son's great uncle. Over seven years ago, he took a chance on me. He took me under his arm, and not only taught me about the business, but life itself. So much of who I am today, is because of his example and the lessons he taught.

Today, I just need to say:

 Happy Birthday, Steve. As I sit in your office, comfortable in the special chair you bought for my back problems, with the warm snow boots you surprised me with on my feet, surrounded by so many memories, I will fight back the tears today. I will smile through the pain. Today is your day. The one day a year, I could always guarantee you to be in a good mood. :) So you relax up there and kick your feet up. I'll take care of business down here, and eat some carrot cake for you.