The best of times, the worst of times

It's always a pleasant surprise when you experience one of those "red letter" days. I've often heard that phrase, but never really investigated what it meant. I understand now that it's a day of special significance. Appropriate for yesterday: a day when it seemed everything was going perfectly well. I could not have written a better script. Some might say that all the stars were aligned. Others might say that angels were in my corner. However, what's interesting about life, is that you really never know the course that a day will take. Yesterday was also one of those days.

There are often mixed feelings about a project close-out meeting with management teams. For this project whose review was scheduled yesterday, they took a big chance on it. There were many others who requested the funding, but were not chosen. However, just enough saw the potential and were instrumental in supporting the effort, especially as roadblocks were encountered. The project had lots of challenges, but all were overcome. A delayed start caused it to be simultaneously scheduled during the busiest and most demanding time of the year for the project that basically defines my job. However, it was a great success -- it's almost unbelievable what was achieved and how promising the results indicate. The time arrives when the project review occurs and the great news was shared. There seemed to be an overwhelming awe of what was achieved by the team and the possibilities ahead. Such great feedback from everyone and additional support was identified to explore how the innovative work can continue. On the same day, important data for my "real job" is needed for a colleague to meet an upcoming deadline. No time to celebrate -- just rush back and dive into the data to find just the morsel of data that might make a difference as plans are drafted to hopefully positively impact so many. Working late to deliver that data...just as it's needed. The celebration can wait. After all, I look forward to tomorrow -- the start of the weekend.

However, there's a little sting to the day. It's always sad to learn that a colleague is being laid off from the company, but it's especially worse when it happens to a friend. So surprising. There's also that nagging little concern about the greater unknown: who else might be affected by this unfortunate circumstance? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, some slip away and leave before you really know what happened to them. Then, the phone rings. Another dear person has received alarming news of medical test results. Although more investigation is planned, there's the possibility of an oncoming battle with the Big C -- something you don't even dare to mention aloud and you are really never prepared to hear. So, here I am...at 2:18 in the morning...with a nagging stomach ache. Is it because I worked feverishly today, skipping both breakfast and lunch for that project review and then eating very late after delivering that important data to my colleague (who has already kindly expressed gratitude)? Or, is it because I feel that my dear friend and loved one might also be up at this hour...wondering about their futures...and what is ahead for them. So much uncertainty.

Who really knows the right thing to say to someone at such a time? You struggle for the right words, but then you remember that most times it's just best to listen...and then tell them that you care, you want to help, and you'll be there for them. Although some think it's not the politically-correct thing to say at the office, you know that you'll add your friend to your prayer list.... because you know that they have been there to celebrate the best of times and to support you during your worst of times.

During the worst of times, I don't always know what to do, but I know what I should not do: worry. I know where to place my trust and regardless of my circumstance "it is well...with my soul"
Here's a YouTube video of Faith Hill singing a favorite:


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