Still Standing

I remember so clearly, with my 12-year-old eyes, my Father walking around the casket that my Grandfather laid in.  He was in silhouette to me and was the last person in line to say goodbye before the casket was closed.  His funeral service was almost done and he was lying in the sitting room that his rocking chair had been in – the room where he spent so much time, rocking.

The two windows to the south had sun streaming in – this is why my Fathers’ figure was in silhouette to me.  I was on the other side of the open casket with the top half of the casket also blocking the view of my Grandfather’s body.  My Dad rounded the corner of the casket and stopped to look at my Grandfather that one last time.

He then clicked his heels together and came to attention.  He then saluted my Grandfather.

My Dad was an awesome figure in that moment in my mind.  Proud.  Tall.  His figure hazy in that light from behind him.  I could not see his face.  But I knew that was the highest honor he could give to my Grandfather at that moment.  The moments before the casket was closed for departure to the cemetery.  You see my Dad has served in the Army during WWII.  He had worked his way up from being an enlisted man, through the Army War College, to become an Officer.  That, my friends, is a story for another day ….

So why, on this inaugural message as this Company’s President, would I start with this remembrance?

Simple.

It is because Tek Pak INC is still standing.  Oh, some had asked why we went on and even prophesied, that we would not last (that person mentioned that to my husband about 15 months ago!)  But we are still standing.  Tall. Proud. Peaceful.     

Why?  How?  Because of this wonderful human attribute to do the right thing.  Not to fold and leave everyone and everything empty.  But to fill back the cup so that this new vision can take root.

Courage.  Sacrifice.

So many have done so much to build this Company back.  Gerard, Sheila, Erica, Roy, Steve, Edmond, Dale, Enriqueta, Lalo, Josh, Todd, Stewart.  These are just some of the people who continue to exemplify who they are by showing up and getting the work done.  Despite the odds.  Despite the challenges, in spite of everything that stops most people.   In every way - - they show up.

Then there are those who continue to work alongside and through challenges with us.  Austin, Ed, Jim, Joe, Kevin, Matt, Wendy. Tim, Andrew, Jonah, Ian, Jason, Jimmy, Amanda.  So many have given us leeway and grace to put pieces back in place.  They too have illustrated who they are by their actions.

Yes, of course, there are many who would not agree that this Company is doing what it can to build back.  That number is really few – all things considered.  What I can say is that the principles that I was taught all the way back in Grad School remain with me to this day.

Corporations are given certain privileges that come with responsibility.  The Human Beings behind this business understand that concept and have taken it to heart.  Since I have been given the privilege to lead internal operations, I can say that this level of service to community is a preeminent thought to where we are, and, where we are going.

Community – here includes the people who continue to work with me and their families.  Community means the larger municipality in which we have the privilege to operate in.  Community also means the larger environment, worldwide, that we serve.  We do things that change people’s lives.  Have done this for all the 33 years that Tek Pak INC has been around.

Perfectly?  No.

Does not mean that we are correct 100% of the time.

Perfectly?

No.

Just means that we stay in the game, on the field.

Any critic can be in the stands yelling to do things in another fashion …   But, this is the thing….  I know how I stand, I know where I stand and what the intent is, I know what is in my heart.  Do the right thing.  Make it good knowing that if it is not good right in this moment then God is not done yet.

Neither am I.

I stand courageously and take all that comes, in a good way, and salute in acknowledgement.  I acknowledge ongoing growth.  Acknowledge action.  Every challenge, every painful admission of choice in a path that perhaps did not work well, initially.  In the end, every step has led me - - and Tek Pak INC - - here.    

Still serving.

Standing, still.