He
came to me with an idea of giving KE a pen.
To be honest, I was confused, as this seemed like an odd
tribute. But then he explained that it
was like the scene from A Beautiful Mind, where all of the professors
placed a pen on the table in front of John Nash. The gesture was a sign of respect that acknowledged
the contribution and impact that the man had had on their field…and on their
lives. And suddenly it was the perfect
idea. I suggested that we also write a note,
a personal memory of KE, and attach it to the pen, which ML loved.
We
decided to get our entire team involved and to do it after our on-site conference,
when the entire team would be in town and at the office. I was overwhelmed by the response. Everyone brought a pen, each unique to the
bearer’s personality. The notes ranged
from a simple Post-It note to a full-blown card. One by one, we each made our way to KE’s desk
and placed the pen in front of him. Many
also gave him a handshake or a hug, as he was much more than a boss…he was a
friend. At first, he was confused; but
slowly, slowly he understood that this was an acknowledgment of his time with us. We were honoring him.
Some
people get a plaque or a watch. KE got
pens. And I think he’ll cherish them
much more than the other two. Each pen, each
note, was more personal than a plaque or watch.
It was a fitting tribute, and he got choked up as he tried to express
how much it all meant to him. Even
though the Lord has other plans for KE, he will still miss his team. He will still miss that which he spent the
last six years of his life building and shaping. He will still miss his interactions with us
and how he helped us become wiser, more mature adults.
We
wish you well, KE. Godspeed, and know that
you are missed.
