Happy Sunday!
I have three images for today and a story.
This is one of the coolest gifts I have ever received for several reasons. It incorporates my love of photography and my fondness for wine.
I retired from Ohnward Bancshares, Inc. on February 07, 2018 after 18 years. It was a wonderful journey and the organization, the owners, and the employees have enriched my life beyond description. I was the Chief HR Officer for the organization, which allowed me to interact with the majority of staff. There are friendships that I will cherish the rest of my days.
However, I have never enjoyed “being in front of the camera.” So when my boss said they wanted to have a celebration of my retirement I declined several times. Long story short we had said celebration last Thursday at the Maquoketa Art Experience. 🙂
It was an amazing evening and many of my fellow employees both past and present showed up to celebrate my retirement including many of the friends I have made in the community. I was overwhelmed, humbled, and emotionally grateful for all those who came and the sentiments they expressed.
I am ashamed to admit this, but I have attended numerous retirement celebrations over the years and it never occurred to me to buy a card or a gift for the retiree. So imagine my surprise when I received over 50 cards and gifts including the one above.
What make this gift so special for me is that it is from three former and one current employees from Cedar Rapids, all of whom made the trip to Maquoketa to attend the celebration and presented this guy to me. I was speechless.
So for two and a half hours I greeted friends and received their kind words. I didn’t get to spend the amount of time with anyone that I wanted to as there was always someone new to greet.
After the celebration ownership provided a wonderful dinner at the Decker House for Jeanne and I plus many of the senior management team. Lots of memories were discussed and then my Friend and Boss Al read a commendation the company had created and once again I was speechless. In addition to the wonderful plaque there was a donation to my favorite charity in Jeanne and my name. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
So there were many thoughtful gifts that I received that evening. Here is an image of some of them. I think I’m sensing a pattern here. 🙂
Thank you Al, Kendra, Abe, Brig, and the entire Ohnward Staff for an evening and experience I will never forget.
Enjoy your day and be careful.
Upde Designs 