Dear Work Fam,
I am glad that I was placed in Birch to work with you. (Well, glad is an understatement.) You have all made my life better. So, I wanted to encourage you, and tell you how much I love you. (In this letter mainly because if I had tried to do this in person, I would have started blubbering like a baby.)
Tim: I looked forward to hearing “Lizzie-Liz!” every morning when I walked in. You can see how genuinely you care for everyone in the kitchen and everyone outside of the kitchen. Your knowledge about the food industry is unparalleled and valuable. I pray that this year will be a year of happiness and prosperity for you.
John: I appreciated working under you. You have amazing leadership skills, and you handle stressful situations perfectly. I loved hearing all your weird stories about other jobs, and hearing bits of advice about all kinds of food. May God bless you this year in everything you do.
Amber: My first day, I was intimidated by you and I was really worried about that intimidation. But, I quickly realized that that intimidation was ill-founded. You are one of the kindest and most encouraging people I know. Your work ethic is enviable and your patience is one that everyone should strive for. I wish and pray for every happiness and blessing for you (and Merv) this year.
Erin: I wish we would’ve worked more of the same shift. You have an unassuming and kind nature which is easy to get along with and easy to work with. I appreciate your sense of humor and laughter, which are easily given and which light up any room. Again, I wish we would’ve had more shifts together, because I feel like we could be best friends and laugh all day long.
Sharon: Your inclusion and love of people is a comfort to many. Something I love about working with you, is your organizational skills, your willingness to help with whatever needs to be done, and your ability to get things done. You are a blessing to those around you.
Nicole: You are a fantastic person to be around. You care about people and you show us how much you care. You take charge of whatever you’re doing and do it with grace and ease.
Elena: No one, and I mean no one! can match you in strength and perseverance. Every single day you amaze me. I still cannot wrap my head around everything you do, and how you do it. You are a blessed woman.
Paula: You are a strong woman of God; your faith can move mountains. Being your friend and witnessing you grow your relationship with God, while balancing tough situations and work is incredible. God is doing some amazing things in and through you. I am truly blessed to be able to call you a friend.
Jonah: I know you won’t want me to write much to you, but that’s too bad. (Suck it up) Because I admire and look up to you. Even if you want a curtain up around yourself so no one can see through, I see through it. I see that you are kind, funny, smart, the definition of a true gentleman and a damn good cook (excuse my French). Your weird personality shines through your hard exterior, and, to me, it’s the best kind of personality. I hope you know I am being serious when I say I’ll miss you, I want you in on any skype call and I consider you to be my friend. Please know that God has given you so many talents and gifts and the possibilities are endless through Him.
Tonisha: You are infectious. But, not in a bad way! Everything about you seeps through you for everyone else to see. You are joyful, personable, kind and unashamed. You are a light for people to look to. You make working with nursing fun. Heck, you make life fun! I’ll miss your laughter permeating through the kitchen everyday.
Mara: Where do I begin? I love everything about you Mara. (That pretty much sums it up) I love all the weird quirks you have, your sense of humor and how you see the world. You walk with dignity and confidence that exudes from you and many want to have.
Marissa: You have joy. I feel like joy and laughter are written in your DNA. Your laughter brings so much light into the kitchen. You are incredibly knowledgeable. You have the amazing capability of keeping everything organized and straight in your head. It is such a beneficial trait to be blessed with. I pray you know peace and love this year in all your endeavors.
Isaac: Please keep smiling and laughing. Whenever I see you, I smile knowing it’ll be a great day.
Macie: Who knew a 17 year old would end up being one of my best friends? You are exactly my type of person, and I wouldn’t give you up for the world. I wish I could see you graduate, and see all your accomplishments this year, but know you are still my heart and mind and prayers.
I genuinely love all of you from the bottom of my heart, and will definitely be choking on some tears this year because I’ll miss you all. Please don’t change too much. <3
