Last night John and I attended our local chamber of commerce meeting. We are both very active in it and enjoy the people we have met. It has also benefited John’s construction business greatly—as well as gives me an opportunity now and then to share news about my books, etc.
While we were socializing, a waitress came up to us and told us the gentleman at the far corner table would like to buy us both a drink. I looked, but couldn’t really see who he was because the table was somewhat hidden behind wall. I also didn’t recognize the other man with him. I said, “Who is it?”
She said, “I’m sorry I can’t remember his name. Oh wait, I think his first name was Todd.”
I looked again and then realized it was my former boss. The one who had let me go almost ten years ago—well, that was the way I saw it, that he let me go- I felt pressured to leave after a dispute we had over some reports I used to prepare for him.
I write about the experience in my upcoming book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way. It was a very painful time for me. I had never been let go from a job, and having a strong work ethic I was humiliated and felt like a failure.
Through my life coaching experience I was able to work through that experience and let it go. The thing is, I always liked him as a person. He was funny and fun to be around. But I didn’t like working for him so much.
I had seen him now and then from a distance or driving by in his truck and I’d still get an uncomfortable feeling even though I had let much of what happened go. So I was pleasantly surprised he bought us a drink, though I felt apprehensive about walking over to thank him. But it was the right thing to do. John and I made our way over. John shook his hand, and I decided to instead, reach over, and give him a hug.
We chatted for about five minutes and it was a very nice conversation. All my apprehensions washed away as I realized I have much to be proud of. I also have come to understand and realize the blessing of being let go from that job—it wasn’t meant to be. He had actually done me a favor. I saw that quite a few years ago, but still couldn’t get past feeling uncomfortable when I would see him from time to time. It felt so good to now move past that.
For a long time John didn’t send business Todd’s way because of what had happened. As we walked way John said, “I’ll be sending more business your way in a few weeks.”
Todd said, “Thank you. I’d really appreciate that.”
It felt really good to put a final healing on that relationship. It was so unexpected but so welcome. I know I learned a lot from the experience, and I have no doubt he did as well.
John and I sat back down at the bar. He turned to me and said, “High five.” We do that when something feels really good and right. It was definitely worth a high five.
