The more I work there, the more I realize my small office is a big family.  Most of them are related to each other, but that’s beside the point.

I was working late tonight, as I often do, but ‘higher ups’ where still there after enduring a meeting with another company within the building.  It was around 7 and I got up to clear my mind of a problem I was pounding my head against and went to walk out side for a moment.  My CEO caught me in the hallway, he was obviously on his way out.  He walked right up to me, blocking my way, and looked me in the eyes.

“You don’t look me in the eyes anymore.”

That stung, but it was probably true.  He looked almost hurt when he said it. 

“Your morale is down.”

I followed him down the stairs and outside where he stopped and turned to me again.  He admited to sending David to fish out my situation.  David had been poking and prodding for information for two days. 

“Your obviously upset about something.”

I told him I didn’t think it showed.  I’ve made that mistake my whole life, I never remember how expressive my face can be.  Everyone always knows exactly how I feel without having to ask.

“You don’t have a good poker face.”

That made me laugh.  I assured him it was nothing to do with work.  He said he knew that and that I do nothing but excell.  I work very hard and I’m good at helping people with my talents.  I’ve been very fortunate to find a place that appreciates that and have people that stop to tell me this often.

“I’m giving you a raise tomorrow.”

That threw me off guard.  I was expecting him to tell me to look for another job.  He laughed when I told him this. As hard as I work, I never think it’s enough and never think the higher ups notice. 

“Your too valuable to let go.”

I assured him he was stuck with me and I wasn’t going anywhere.

“I love you, guy.”

This made me tear up. I am so blessed.