And yet another chapter has closed……

Above is a picture from last night.  It is a sign company removing the letters from our building.  This makes me sad.

I know people complain about their jobs sometimes and it is sometimes a pain to have to go to work but this was truly a family.  A lot of employees here have been together since the opening about 4 years ago.   I have only been here since April of this year but it feels like much longer.

About a month ago I had the opportunity to go to the Elgin, IL store and help them for a few weeks close that store.  This was also a family.  I was an outsider but I could see the bond that everyone had with one another.  This was truly evident on the last day that they would be together.

The store was mostly empty and of merchandise, signage and displays.  The American flag was still hanging, just like it does at every Lowe’s store up by the checkout.  They had everyone come to the front for the removal of the flag (many of these people were there when it went up).  They played taps and then took them flag down, and then folded it.  It was a very emotional experience for them and many were crying and hugging each other.  It was a very moving experience to watch.

It is going to feel weird not being able to go to our store anymore.  I know it may sound dumb and that this was just a part-time retail job but I had to opportunity to work with an amazing group of people.  And even as I type this I am getting a little teary-eyed.  Last night I was numb.  I knew what was coming and just wanted to go and get it over with.  I did not want to see people I cared about cry.  I did not want to see the look of defeat in people’s eyes.  And I did not want to face the fact that it was over.

My family and I have been through a lot these past couple years.  We have been blessed and will continue to be blessed in the future.  What does the future hold?  We don’t know but we have learned to take it one day at a time and be thankful for what we have.

To my former co-workers:

Thank you.  

Thank you for welcoming me in .

Thank you for putting up with my sarcasm.

Thank you for the laughs.

Thank you.

Good luck to all of you and I pray that you will other opportunities and a new family to share your days with.

Kevin