POSITIVE WORDS

December 1, 2010 was the Retirement Party at the office for Richard Hartman. He had been the office director most of my stay with LDS Family Services. I was asked to be the MC for the gathering since I had worked with Rich the longest in his 37 years. We had a nice celebration and shared some funny stories. I invited the agency attorney, Albert Lirhus, and he actually attended and shared some comments. He said that Rich was able to look long term when there was stress or difficulty at the office. Others shared their appreciation for Rich's words of wisdom, ability to share insight and for the support he provides.

The following day, I was surprised by a phone call from Albert to say "thanks for inviting me to the party". He said it was nice to be around people that cared for each other and he was glad he was able to attend. Then, he paused and said, "If this party had been for Tawnia Singleton, I would have had a lot, I mean a lot more nice things to say". I thought that was so nice. I don't often get positive words from someone that I value what they say. Albert is also the attorney that took his time to call me over a year ago when I had notified him and others that I was personally under attack for something that I had been directed to do. He is a good man and I say, "Thank You, Albert Lirhus".

That same day, I received a thank you from someone in the office hoping that I would speak at her funeral because I have a way of making people laugh. I later received a phone call from someone else telling me that she appreciated my kindness. It is timely that these things should happen due to the craziness of work and life. I get so caught up in what I have to "get done" that I feel distant from people and think I do so little for those around me. These kinds words helped me to remember to continue to try to "be nice" because perhaps it will help someone else along their way