I have to say that the people I work with at Fee / Hedrick Family Entertainment Group are amazing. Because of them, I don’t see working there as a “job”…they honestly make going to work incredibly enjoyable. I had an overwhelming reminder of that today as I had a HUGE surprise for me at lunch. A few of us typically go to lunch every Wednesday and some of them wanted to eat at The Alabama Grill today. As we walked in, there was a massive table where about 30 employees were sitting. I thought they were having a meeting, but all of a sudden they started clapping and cheering when i walked around the corner. I was puzzled at first and then I saw “Congratulations” on a banner, a chocolate cake made by the executive chef of the company’s catering division, and a rather large giftbox. I suddenly realized they were all there for me!
Kathy Turner, the Creative Director of the company, had organized this massive get-together to celebrate my recent graduation, upcoming wedding, and impending departure from the company to start my new life in GA. I have never seen this many people in the company together in one place at the same time…ever…not even the Christmas Party! I was completely floored. People from at least two theaters, three shows, and three businesses showed up…over 30 people in all! The president and vice-president were there along with general managers, marketing and sales directors, etc etc. A lot of great things were said and it’s something I’ll never forget. The people that came and that I work with every day are simply amazing. I love them like family and hope that the career I take in GA will have people that are just as great. Kathy has been an incredible person to work with and the company is extremely fortunate to have her as their Creative Director. I just can’t say enough about her and the rest of the staff!
As for the giftbox…well…I went to open it up and it was FILLED with dollar bills! I thought for a minute that it was tissue paper, but I then realized it was real! Everyone had pitched in to create this huge box of money. I just don’t know how I’m going to get this thing through the teller window at the bank…
Whew…WHAT a day! The money was a great gift, but the amount of people that showed up and signed the card meant so much to me. I know everyone had a ton of things going on at each business in the company and knowing they took time out of their day to be a part of this is simply amazing. I’m still floored.
Let me tell ya something pilgrim. The reason all them folks did what they did is because those folks like you and respect you. Hard work will pay off everytime. maybe not in the manner one expects at the time, but it will and it does pay off. Keep up the good work, I know it makes the heart swell just a little when nice things like they did for you are done. Heck I would have thrown a dollar in to if I had of been there. Ron Blackwood said it best, “We gonna miss ya”.
Congratulations on your sucess me & mama are proud of you too.
Gee Shane & Crystal, what am I going at the wedding if I can’t even read your cute website without welling up? I will be a mess! I will have to buy waterproof everything! I love you both so much, and I am so happy, proud, and overjoyed for you both. I can certainly see why your employers/friends went to such measures to honor you. You are always so giving in so many ways that it is only natural that you will start receiving such blessings in abundance. I thank God for you every day, and I am so proud to call you newphew. All of my love and blessings! Kisses & Hugs!!
…oh my, did I forget to add what a gorgeous couple you make!!? ~;0)
Well, Shane i have been reading your site with so much joy in my heart since you started it back in Dec. Wow, i can’t believe the time is almost here. It is hard to write without crying, everytime i start writing , the memories of you as a little boy and how blessed i am to have you just gets to me. Anyway, i was writing this about your job and i know how much you love it. I will never forget when you first got the job, you came home that first day and i said how did it go at work and you was all smiles in the best mood… Your response was “Awsome”. Everybody is great..
Well, a week had passed and i asked again that afternoon. and he said it is just great Mom , i love everyone i work with , and i remember saying , see how God takes care of you… You have always had faith in God and that is the one who has got us through these toughest yrs of growing up,,,,, of course he made it possible for Mom and Dad to help us through the times. They helped give you that beautiful smile you have now…….Crystal and you will have a beautiful future together because you both have your priorites straight….. I love you both and i will always be here for you all…….. Love Mom
PS Don’t forget us……I know holidays will be tough trying to make everyone happy and be both places at one time….DON”T let that ruin your holidays.. You have your own life now and you will have your own children one day and it is hard to travel to try to make everyone happy,…….. We have done it,There were great memories in Arkansas with your great grandparents and all the four wheeling you did witih Papaw Butler and being with all your cousins…those were times i wouldnt trade for anything…. ,, and times with car trouble prevented us from going sometimes and maybe God had that plannned,,, everything happens for a reason….. Some people reading this may not understand some of this , but it is just some of my memories…………I love you and your my little buddy always
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