Darlene H

My hero was/is my former boss of 10 years,although she has worked with the same company for 12,I think.She took a chance on hiring me,not really knowing much about my disabilities and how they could affect my job performance.I also consider the woman who went with me a hero as her son has a disabilility as well.I found her through a friend my mom met and went to voc rehab and met Cindy Brown,one of the nicest people I have ever met.Anyway,when I met the 3 person committee who were considering hiring me,I was nervous,but tried to appear calm.I heard them mention qualities and references,thankfully good ones from a previous job,also given to me by another great person I have known my entire life,Cecilia C.I thank her,too.Anyway,my boss was just transferred and her mentor is now in her place.I miss my boss and miss her criticisms as well,even though I let them get to me more than I needed to sometimes.Not everything she taught me was in vain.She recently told me she and several of our colleagues would hire me again if they had to do it over.I believed her.We ended up crying and not so much reminiscing as there was too much to remember and a lot we had forgotten,I suppose.I have had so much respect for her and the people she has hired %99.9 of the time.I think she will never quite fully understand the depth of importance and impact she has made on me and others.She will be 50 in October,which doesn't really matter because I never thought anyone would take a chance on me after my last job,even though I think I got it out of pity,in part.I never wanted pity,just to work,have the dignity that comes with it and making a difference somehow ,somewhere even if was very small,I would give my best.She told me all the good things about me for really the first time and that made my day for a while.I hope to see her soon and especially when she retires someday.Anyway,I just wanted to thank her and I know she will never read this and that is OK with me-it's the thought that counts.Thanks more than I can ever say,Darlene H.You are one in a million.

Submitted by Anonymous

Appreciation