Gratitude Journal – Day 64 – September 2, 2014

On Labor Day….
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“When did we grown up and become responsible adults?” myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I used to joke around on days we had to go back to work after a holiday or vacation. I can honestly tell you that thoughts of ‘calling off’ would enter our heads only to be entertained for a fleeting second before we were asking ourselves the question again. Of course we wouldn’t call off, there’s work to be done!

Labor Day was originally set aside to celebrate the American workforce’s contribution to the economy. When I think of the workforce in general, I automatically think of 'work ethic’ and what a difference that makes in our lives in and outside of the workplace. It appears to me that those who work hard in the work place, also work hard in their personal lives and have a great ‘work ethic’ of getting things done.

myDarlin’ told the story many times of his mother advising him NOT to be a chef. She said you’ll be overweight and work way too many hours. And…it could be said that she was right.  myDarlin’s work ethic was something to be admired. He would begin most days at 5am to ensure that breakfast was ready for the guests. I’m not even sure how he heard the alarm clock at 3:30am, but somehow he always did.
When I would call to let him know that I was working late, he would tell, ‘Do what you’ve got to do’ and I knew that he meant it. I knew this because our motto was and is, ‘Work hard, Play hard’. We would talk of work, and as a result, I know – amongst so many other things that a Chef should count every time the food is touched and that if you use two hands you’ll get your work done so much faster.

We talked of setting an example for our kids, yes – all seven of them, so that they would have a tangible example of what a ‘work ethic’ is. Doing your best, showing up fully for work, going the extra mile, sharing your ideas, being a good business partner, getting stuff done and celebrating successes.

And when we spoke of our children, one by one starting with the oldest to youngest, it is so very apparent that they have been watching all of their lives. So, on this Labor Day I am grateful for myDarlin’s hard work here and know that he is playing hard in heaven, as we are today on earth.

#WorkHardPlayHard #KeepLookingUp