Co-Worker Retires

This week, my co-worker, John retired after 23 years in the field. During our working years together, we had great experiences, sometimes just spending hours contemplating life or concocting brilliant and not-so brilliant ideas and plans.  He was especially fond of having meaningful discussions out-of-doors and taking long walks so we’d both get some fresh air and needed exercise. Although he was generally louder than me, he gave me my space and allowed me to vent without interruption. Over the years, we talked about work and lots of other stuff: politics, religion, family, spouses. While I walked and talked, John was there listening, plodding along like a machine, through thick and thin.

I remember the day we met as if it was yesterday. It was during a chance meeting in a hardware store where a friend, Willie, introduced us. Willie knew talent and knew I needed a dedicated helper like John. Willie also knew I’d be impressed with John’s resume, pedigree and upbringing. After taking Willie’s advice and hiring John, the two of us got to work on several projects. Right off the bat, I admired John’s work ethic – he was born in the US and raised by proud, hardworking factory parents who instilled great values. John was always on time to work, never late and always agreeable to working overtime. Willie’s advice proved some of the best ever.  For years, John led the way through many challenges, only suffering one minor breakdown from which he recovered quickly, roaring back, as good as new. John never lost control, no matter how demanding or stressful the work load placed on him. John just seemed to plug along at full-throttle, giving his best with hardly a sputter. I also grew to admire how well he stayed in-line, cut through the b.s. and never drifted off course. Today, finding the “John’s” of the world is proving harder and harder to find.

In the last few years, I noticed John’s normal high-octane pace was slowing and he seemed less and less sharp. Somehow, his shine was fading. And although painful to face, I knew I’d need to find a replacement co-worker one day. That day had always seemed a long way off… until this week.  It was sad when I realized just how exhausted he was, and that John was literally unable to cut it as well he once did. I knew something had to be done. And so, after a professional consult, we both decided it was time for him to step aside from his full-time duties and give way to a younger replacement. Rather than arguing or making a scene, John gracefully accepted my offer of semi-retirement and a chance to handle lighter duties and assignments. Luckily, as was the case 23 years ago, I found an eager new co-worker, full of the same spunk and enthusiasm as John-the-younger. Although I’ll miss John’s spark in the field, I’m looking forward to working with his replacement and getting to know him as well as I knew John.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that John’s full name is “John Deere,” my faithful work friend and self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. In case you are wondering, John’s replacement is a glossy red Professional Series Snapper – made here in the USA, unlike the vast majority the new generation of John’s family are now produced offshore.