HOLY MOTHER

 I am a mother of two, a mother-in-law of one, and dearly love and prayerfully support many young people.  Being a mom and caring for “kids” of any age is the joy of my life.  As such, Mother’s Day should be a happy day for me.  However, it is bittersweet.

You see, for many years Mother’s Day was anything but joyous.  My husband and I suffered for a decade with infertility.  Each May, as Mother’s Day approached, we navigated the mind field with dread, knowing we would have to find our way around well intentioned comments, internal questions of why? when? how long?, tears, dashed hopes, and sometimes faking that we were fine.

So, today, as I enjoy the blessings that eventually came my way and to acknowledge the incredible value of Motherhood holding all moms up as my champions, I want to also affirm and recognize my friends (including those I haven’t met yet) who are simply getting through this weekend as best you know how ~

·       Some of you have walked the sad journey of loosing your beloved mother or a child this year

·       Others are struggling with trying to have a relationship with your mother/daughter/son

·       Some lost your chance to raise your children but love them just the same

·       Others, similar to our story, are battling infertility and know intimately that the “why” isn’t an easy answer

·       A lot of you have mothers physically present but dementia/Alzheimer has robbed you of the essence of who you know your mom to be

·       Some mothers/children battle with mental illnesses or substance abuse and the ties that bind have gotten tangled

If, for any reason, you are feeling as though this holiday is not a “Hallmark” weekend for you, I hear you.  I have been there.  I may not know your particular heartache but I know someone who does.    I reach out to you with this song.   It is my hope that you may find, as I have, that Mary will be there in your darkness “hearing your cry and holding your hand” until your heart is at peace once again being able to fully embrace your life with all it’s blessings, desires, joys and sufferings knowing that it is a gift from God exactly as it is. 

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#HolyMother  #ClaptonPavarotti #MothersDay2021 #IHearYou #CarmodyStateOfMind

THE BEST IS YET TO BE

It was around 1972 when Tom Carmody told me that he wanted to work with his father at Carmody Company Inc., an electrical engineering and sales firm in Seattle.  

After high school, Tom went to WSU and pursued electric engineering, moving closer to his goal.  During his Cougar days, Dad Carmody told Tom that it would be best to go work for someone else after college for a number of years and let them be the ones to correct and instruct him and hopefully compliment him.  Tom did just that.  Three and a half years later he joined CCI and has been there ever since.

Tom will tell you that working alongside his Dad was one of the highlights of his life.  He also had the amazing fortune of getting to work with his younger brother, Dan, and with a wonderful group of sales and support folks over his 40 years at CCI.

Friday was Tom’s last day with Carmody Company.  In typical Tom fashion, he spent a large portion of it on the phone.  Countless times I heard him thanking people for the particular way they enriched his professional life.  I heard hearty laughter over memories, kindnesses exchanged about loved ones gone on before them, hopes offered for what the future will bring.  Above all else, what I listened to was Tom expressing gratitude.   

One thing I know is true; if Tom did business with you over these past 40 years on any level (customer, principle, vendor) you became his friend.  And more times than not, you appeared on our prayer list after you had a conversation with him sharing your professional or personal struggles.

Tom, congratulations on a career well lived.  I have been proud of the person you are and how you have conducted CCI from day one.  You thought you were just selling electrical and mechanical equipment.  No way!  You have made a difference in the lives of so many.  You have been an employee, co-worker and employer of the highest integrity, kindness, work ethic and humor.  Job well done.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the future!

Thanks for reading.  

Lori

#Retirement  #CareerGoals  #OutOfOffice  #CarmodyStateOfMind