In February 2020, we invited state employees to share a time they were shown Loving Kindness by a coworker. About 50 of those submissions are featured below.
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I started with DEQ in Portland in September, 2019. I met a co-worker, Heidi Nelson who is originally from Michigan as I am. Our conversation centered on Michigan, our move to Oregon and other things. I happened to mention to Heidi that I recently moved into a new apartment but had a previous bad experience of a bogus rental posted on Craig’s list. Further into our conversation, I mentioned to her that I needed to find a washer and dryer as I had the hook-ups but not the appliances. Approximately a week later, Heidi asked me if I had found a washer and dryer and I told her that I did but didn’t have a way to pick the washer and dryer up. Immediately, Heidi said my ex has a trailer and I’ll ask him if he can haul it for you. I was so happy of her offer to do such a kind gesture. He agreed and a few days later Heidi and her twin teenage sons and I met him in Vancouver, Washington where I had to pick the appliances up. Heidi, her sons and her ex were exceptionally kind, diligent and skillful in their tasks of moving the washer and dryer from Vancouver to Portland and hooking them up at my apartment. They all refused to accept any money from me for their efforts! Also, they followed up with me to ensure that everything was functioning properly and it is! |
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I am so happy to see an email suggesting meditation to employees. I happen to know first hand the many benefits of meditation. It is miraculous in and of itself. I As an example of a co worker showing loving kindness, I have many from |
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This was years ago, I was at work, and found myself not feeling so well. I came back from lunch – dizzy and nauseous. I barely got to my office in time to grab the trash bin and throw up into it. As wave after wave of nausea hits me. My Co-worker, Susan, came rushing in with a bottle of water and a spare trash bin. I sat there unable to even speak because I couldn’t stop throwing up. She handed me another clean bin and encouraged me to drink with hand gestures. After a bit I was able to speak a little and Susan let me know that she had called my husband and he was on his way – and handed me another clean bin.Soon my husband got there and took me away… (to the doctor). I have thanked Susan more than once for this supreme act of kindness. But I feel that those 8 letters ‘Thank you’ have never been sufficient to really encompass and show Susan the gratitude that I feel for her actions that day. |
| During the holidays my first year here, a colleague noticed I didn’t have any decorations at my cube. She gave me a light-up reindeer and it made my sterile cube feel more like home! |
| When I had to put my sweet dog down last September, my coworkers were there to show me loving kindness by presenting me with a sympathy card. They knew how much my dog meant to me and how grieved I was over her passing and the guilt I felt putting her down. |
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I would like to share a very simple moment of kindness and acceptance that I received from someone at the time I needed it the most, yet expected it the least. After having spent 2 decades in a district where I had a very rough time and feeling unappreciated, devalued or not accepted by their leadership etc., I had finally decided to move to another district and seek new professional challenges and opportunities. In February 2019, I moved to Clackamas County SSP, District 15. That decision did not come easily because I had dedicated 20 years to one district and a change was hard. I felt very low, disheartened and professionally I had lost my self confidence as a new employee with a completely new group of people. However, my misery did not last too long, because the SSP Program Manager, Jessica Amaya Hoffman, has immediately embraced me into their team, showing me kindness, acceptance, humility and warmth. On February 14, 2019, in addition to sending to all her staff balloons with a kind note, she sent me a balloon with a simple note of: Welcome to D15! This meant a lot to me, who at the time felt lost, discouraged and with lack of confidence. This simple but heartfelt gesture meant a lot to me! I felt that I was no longer invisible, I was accepted and that there was future in this district for me. I felt I belonged! Her example was followed by all those she manages and works with and it did not last too long until I started thriving and loving my work and the team I work with. And this is not only my example. As the time passed, I have heard from many more employees who have moved into SSP D15, that they have had the same experience in this district. I want to thank Jessica Amaya Hoffman for making me feel I matter, I was |
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My co-worker kindness story is from 2016 when I was about 3 months into my career with the State. I was having my cube redesigned and at that time my cube had both a sit and I was in tears and about ready to head home for the day because it was too much when a fellow coworker came over to my desk and told me that she hurt for me for how the team was acting. How it was inappropriate as I hadn’t been the one to set it up that way to start with. She could see how hurt I was and asked if she could take me to lunch. At first I turned her down because I didn’t know her super well and I was short on funds. She didn’t let that stop us. She said if I would drive, she would pay. We went to lunch and had the best conversations. I felt rejuvenated and ready to proceed with the day. That lunch turned us from two people who sat next to each to friends and now she is one of my very best friends. |
| I am retiring after working 34 years with OED and an email went out about the retirement and this lovely BES took the time to write this most kind email I have ever received from someone whom I did not have the opportunity to meet in person. How did it make me feel? It brought tears to my eyes to think that I have had such an impact on someone as such as her email has had on me; she took the time. In our busy lives people have good intentions but frequently do not follow through. I am the biggest believer of sending KUDOS to coworkers trying to make their day. |
| Our division is split about 50/50 with folks who travel a lot and folks who don’t. I’m one of the folks who don’t. One day last spring, I needed to take a state car to Eugene. Our division has a car, but it was in use, so I needed to reserve one of the cars from another division. I made the reservation, but the key is on a different floor, in a different area. I had been there one other time, but as those of us who work in state buildings know, the floors can be a maze of cubicles, and it’s hard to remember where things are. That week had been a rough one, where I needed to take care of a lot of things that were not my usual activities. When it was time for me to get the key to the car, I went to my division’s support coordinator to ask her to tell me where the key was. I always feel bad bothering her for things I should know, even though she’s always gracious and happy to help. She could tell that I was really stressed and asked if I’d like her to go with me. I said yes, and she walked me to the place where the keys were. It felt so good to be understood and taken care of like that. Could she have explained to me where the key was? Yes. Could I have found it with her instructions? Also, yes. However, being seen and getting some extra support that day was something I’ll never forget. We’re all capable adults, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone take care of us, just for a little bit. It only took her a few minutes to walk me to the key, but that kindness has lived in my memory for almost a year. |
| I was going through some hard challenges. One day I checked my mail slot, and someone had left a gift for me. It was a pair of earrings – I love earrings! Anyway, I asked around, and no one admitted to leaving the gift for me. I finally ended up writing a little thank you note and taping it to my mail slot with the hopes that the kind giver would see it. I have never found out who left it for me. I felt extremely special, grateful, and cared about. |
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I will tell you about a very personal loving kindness act, well, two of them. The first was in 1996. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and, within a week became paraplegic. He also worked for the state. I was working only part time. My section at Oregon Department of Revenue raised money to support our family. It happened not long before Christmas. They gave us gifts, gave us money, made meals for us, and, even came out and decorated our house with Christmas lights. With the money they gave us, we even had enough to purchase a used handicapped vehicle, so, my husband could eventually go back to work. It was amazing. I will never forget the kindness of these people. It makes me want to be the best person I can be. The second very kind act was from a manager towards me. I am sure it was out of their comfort area, but, they listened, and responded to my needs. I volunteer with Sr. and Disabled Services. Our volunteer Director was a very special person which everyone loved and respected. One day, I got a phone call at work from the former Volunteer Director stating they had some very bad news to share. My heart fell, I grabbed my phone and walked into an empty conference room. About that same time, Nita Smith, one of my former managers, happened to be walking by the conference room. She knew something was wrong. She came in and held me in her |
| I was diagnosed with cancer just a few months after being hired. Even though my co-worker’s barely knew me, they were very supportive and overwhelmed me with their loving kindness. One co-worker knitted me hats when I lost all my hair during chemo, the office put together a basket of little gifts and food and brought it to my house, prayers were given, and the time off I needed for surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments was never an issue. I feel the support they showed me was every bit as important to my recovery as my treatments and I’ll never forget their kindness. |
| A time when a co-worker showed me loving kindness was when they knew that I was going through some tough times at home with my spouse. They allowed me the privacy of not asking for additional information or sharing my situation with others. They did come to me directly when they saw me in the bathroom ‘having a moment’ and privately offered some words of encouragement and then talked about positive and uplifting things not related to my situation. This made me feel like it was okay to be me and feel the feelings that I was dealing with, without fear. I really appreciated that they did not talk about my situation with others and allowed me the safe space to ‘let it all out’ and just enjoy the diverted conversation. I can appreciate that person today because they were a strong person who made me realize that life it better than the empty feelings I was feeling at the time. |
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A time when a co-worker showed me loving kindness… I am an HR business partner which at times can be a very thankless job, we have tough conversations and often meet people on their worst days. I am quite used to people not being thrilled when they are invited to a meeting with me and this particular meeting started off just the same. However, by the end of the meeting with |
| When my mother was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, I took time off to help her after surgery. My coworkers gave me gift cards for my husband and kids to eat out several times while I was gone. The thoughtfulness that extended to my whole family was so amazing. They knew I would be thinking about my own family as I went to take care of my mother and that amazing gesture allowed me to exhale a little. It was so loving and generous. We were sincerely a family, not just a work team and I love them all for so many reasons. |
| I was recently out on medical leave for almost two months. During that time, one of my coworkers visited me almost weekly to keep me company. This made me feel cared for and allowed me to mentally escape from my illness for a little bit. |
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I’d like to respond to your February Positivity challenge by sharing with you about a Several years ago, Lori, who is a single mom, bought flowers for each of the single mothers in the permanency unit for Valentine’s Day. She indicated that just because a person Is a single parent, that does not mean that they should be left out of or |
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Thank you for the opportunity to share. I was in a leadership class and the speaker was talking about different roles and personalities in the work place, and traits of leadership. At one point a peer turned to me, pointed at the screen, and said, “that’s you. You do that.” It was a small comment, off handed really, but the timing and the particular trait she pointed at couldn’t have been more perfect. She didn’t know that at that particular moment I was questioning whether I belonged in the class. She couldn’t know that of all the traits, the ones that I was most insecure about were not the ones about relating to others, but rather to |
| I have a two co-workers that has showed me kindness by being able to assist me when I struggle to get the words or ideas out in a meeting. I have a great difficulty going up in front of a group and I will its like my mind goes blank when I am in front of people. When I get asked this, I get very nervous and they will help out by asking a question that will trigger my thought process and then I am back on board. I like that I am able to share my ideas with them and they are quick to test them out and make suggestions. With that they are able to help me get the words out when I feel under pressure. They have helped me tremendously and we have streamlined many processes this way and its been a great contribution to our Department. We have a great relationship here and out of work as well. I think its so important to have kindness in the workplace because it only takes one negative coworker that can slowly drain the positivity out of a group and I personally seen this happen. I hope this will bring awareness to everyone. Stay positive we all want to feel needed and wanted and it only takes this type of kindness that give other the willingness to get up in front of a group, because there are people that will help you when they see you struggle. |
| Hi- my coworker Cheryl knows that I get anxiety attacks that can include uncontrollable crying. I was in a Salem for a meeting with stakeholders. I woke up feeling unstable. By the time I got to the meeting room, I was about to cry. I told Cheryl that I was going to cry either sooner or later that day. She gave me a hug and said “cry now”. I did, and the meeting went great. |
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I would like to nominate my supervisor Andrea Fenner. During the past several years, my family has gone through numerous medical issues. My husband was diagnosed Andrea, has always been a cheerleader “FOR ME”. She encourages me even when I am confident, I can leave the work place to take care of my husbands issues at a moments notice. I know Andrea will be there to assist me during the transition. I am very blessed to have Andrea Fenner as My Supervisor !!!! |
| We have an amazing Receptionist here at the Midtown Child Welfare Office. I am upstairs and don’t get to interact with Lisa as I am a busy person, writing affidavits, but our receptionist daily will send me an Instant Message stating, “Good morning, How are you today, Do you need anything?” I know I can count on Lisa to acknowledge that I exist. She puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh. She is the most loving-kind person you could ask for in a friend/Receptionist. I look forward to hearing from Lisa every morning. Loving-kindness was instilled in Lisa as child from what I learned about her and she has passed this down to her children. |
| When I was caring for my elderly father, one of my coworkers drove almost an hour to bring over a large pot of homemade soup, cornbread, and other food. She stayed with him and visited so that I could get a few hours away and a break from the caregiving. It was a lifesaver. |
| I want to mentioned about a loving kindness that a coworker has extended to me in 2018. One day after work, I recognized my tire flat. It’s quite scary as I work far from home and I know nothing about tire changing. I was back to office to seek help. One man just came out of the door and I asked for help. He was quite rush and told me he needs to attend a Church. I intended to say thank you but he said he will help. He helped me to change a spare wheel (using jack & wrench) and I could drive home safety. I cannot tell how much I appreciate his help at that time. And I will always be remembering that kindness. His name is Dave Anderson. |
| In response to the positivity challenge: Some kind loving soul Gave a box of glazed donuts For me to enjoy. |
| Last year I was in the midst of really crazy and intense project, and a coworker brought in a flower in a simple mason jar for me. It was a lovely gesture that reminded me why I do this work and how grateful I am for kind co-workers. |
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A coworker offered to decorate my reception for my wedding! Another coworker offered to play music for my wedding! One time I was really stressed in a meeting with my boss. She leaned over and asked me if I was ok! I basically couldn’t believe it because I’m so used to feeling like I have to emit “strength” and not show vulnerability at work. It was just a “moment” that passed, but it calmed me. A leadworker gave me positive feedback recently that also surprised me. The This has encouraged me to give compliments to others and be there for |
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A few years ago, a co-worker (Paula Casner, APD Beaverton) and I were discussing mementos from our grandparents and I mentioned how much I cherished the hand-crocheted hangers my late Grams made for me. She used to make them only in purple because it was my favorite color, but since she passed, I had to make sure to Maybe a few weeks later, I came in to work and found a purple crocheted hanger on my desk, from Paula. Purple is Paula’s favorite color, too. I don’t know if she made it, found it or bought it, but she gave me back a piece of my Grams and that feeling of being loved and being special, and it was such a lovely gesture. I’ll never forget it. |
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A coworker surprised me one day with a coffee from Starbucks – my favorite! It was just because. This one gesture showed me that my effort, my work, maybe even my positive attitude.. does not go unnoticed. I felt so honored and appreciated! |
| A couple years ago, I was inadvertently left out on Administrative Professionals’ Day when other staff in my office received flowers and cards. I had a very difficult situation going on in my personal life at the time, so it hit me especially hard and I was very hurt and upset. Word got out (after I was overheard crying in my office) and 6 different employees came forward (including ones that don’t work in the same office) and personally presented me with individual gifts to show their appreciation of me. |
| I’m pregnant with my first, and all of my coworkers have been going above and beyond to be thoughtful, considerate, helpful, and kind in so many ways – feeding me (often), being so considerate of smells/foods they bring in, offering helpful tips or suggestions to ease pain or discomfort, bringing me essential oils or special teas to help with nausea, kindly offering to help with any office coverage needs when I am out for appointments, and encouraging me often. There has been just so much kindness and thoughtfulness from everyone. It was has been a wonderful support and has made my pregnancy that much smoother! |
| I am submitting the name of a co-worker for the project. Sergeant Mcelroy that works at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. He is a person always with a smile and a joke. When I first started and was stuck working overtime, he brought me coffee and food to me without even asking. He spends time with all of his staff just to get to know them and talk to them. I really wish we had more people like him working in the environment where we are. He is a true genuine person. |
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OHA’s Health Systems Division’s Behavioral Health All-Staff meeting is on March 2nd. We are hoping that someone from this project could come and highlight the work Is this something that a member of this project group would consider? We |
| Over a decade ago, a member of my family was the victim of a crime which resulted in his death. When time for the highly publicized trial came around, I was torn between being at court every day – for weeks – to support my family, and being at work to do my job. The administrator of my division came to me shortly before the trial began, and told me that she, and all the other members of my management team, had gotten together and had and devised a plan to cover my most important duties to allow me to be away from the office as needed during that period. I had never discussed this with her, I had never requested leave. One of my peers had spoken to the administrator about my struggle, and that is when kindness took over. In addition, I was able to work on weekends and evenings, etc. to reduce the amount of leave I needed to take. The kindness of this team of managers meant the world to my family and I. Now, nearly 12 years later, it still brings a tear to my eye when I think of it. There have been many, many examples of kindnesses extended to me in my 27 years (so far) in State service, but this is one that I will always remember and be grateful for! |
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I have a few… • Two co-workers made me a healthy lunch every workday when I was going • Another time when I was going through cancer treatment, I received a get-well card in the shuttle mail. I read the sweet sentiment and then started reading the notes from the folks who signed it from the Governor’s Communication Office. There was a signature I couldn’t quite make out and then it struck me, it was then governor John Kitzhaber. It meant a lot to me– mainly because it was unexpected and kind. • One of my photos was chosen for Friday Photo Fun on DASH. A co-worker saw • One of my co-workers who participated with their child in a video I created for “Bring Your Child To Work Day” responded, “WOW…this was beautiful and made me tear up already this morning! WOW! WOW! WOW!” I love when folks let me know that something I created touched them emotionally. That’s the best response ever! • A co-worker from a different agency asked me to apply for a job in her area. I felt honored that she thought of me, noticed my work and valued my work ethic. That stayed with me for weeks because it was honest and sincere. • I was asked to take a photo of Governor Brown signing a piece of legislation and there was a very large group of participants, stakeholders, Representatives and a couple of Senators there. I was just doing my job, organizing everyone and I saved a spot at the front by the Governor for one of the Senators. When I was packing up my equipment over in a corner of the room, that senator went out of her way to track me down and thank you for taking command of the situation. She said something like, “No one has ever done that before and it made all the difference in our experience today. Thank you!” Wow, that was unexpected and made me feel so good that she went out of her way to thank me. |
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I received the following story from a co-worker many years ago. The simple act of sending it to me was enough to touch my heart; and reminded me, no matter the task or job, I make a difference in peoples’ lives. Who Packed Your Parachute? Author Unknown Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience! One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, “You’re Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!” “How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb. “I packed your parachute,” the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.” Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said ‘Good morning, how are you?’ or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.” Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know. Now, Plumb asks his audience, “Who’s packing your parachute?” Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory – he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety. Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes. |
| I started working at the Eugene field office 2 years ago as front desk support. We have a fantastic group of co-workers here. My partner in 2019 had a total knee replacement surgery in May 2019, that recovery and surgery pretty left no job income prospects and living off of a 1 person salary with a 3 person household. Then in October of the same year he had a major heart attack and open heart surgery. I was out for most of the month of October and my fellow co-workers got together and collected donations for a 200.00 gift card at WINCO so we could have grocery’s, just thinking about the kindness they showed me still makes my eyes water and I get very emotional for their support and gratitude they showed myself and my partner. |
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Several years ago I had to shampoo my carpet due to kids, dogs, foot traffic, and every day wear and tear. I was going to rent a shampooer but my co-worker/friend offered to let me use hers. I was a little surprised because she didn’t know me that well yet. But I was very grateful. I used her machine, which did a great job, I cleaned it thoroughly and returned it to her. We became good friends. As a matter of fact I now housesit for the family whenever they are going to be gone. I’ve been housesitting with their “kids” (2 shih tzus) for about 13 years and they don’t have to go someplace else and be kenneled. |
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100 Grand candy bars are my favorite…but they stopped making them in 2018. This morning, my coworker found some and brought them to me after remembering me saying something about it at HALLOWEEN. I didn’t ask for them, I didn’t say anything It’s small, but honestly I think more kindness can be seen in the little moments than in big gestures. This same person has helped one of my coworkers learn to drive, helped someone else’s little sibling financially so that she could go to prom, and has thrown a retirement party for two of our coworkers without ever being asked. I think she deserves an award, cause she is one of the most loving, generous people I have ever met. |
| I moved to Oregon for the career opportunity that ODE offered me. When I moved here with my son (2 years old at the time) and husband in November of 2016, we had just left everything we knew back in our home town in Florida- and just in time for the holidays! My cube neighbor at the time was Melissa Garner. Upon discovering that we did not have any family in Oregon to celebrate the holidays with, Melissa kindly extended an invitation to her family’s holidays celebration and our families have been connected ever since! I am so immensely grateful for Melissa’s warmth and kindness every day, but it was particularly impactful over the holidays when we were bran new to the state and really missing our family back home. |
| Last week I found out a friend died and it was unexpended. I lost it at work and Leann McCormick saw something was wrong as I passed by her office heading to the restroom. She came in and asked me what happened she actively listened and gave me hug. She also asked if there was anything she could do for me. It was thoughtful and it made me feel a bit better, being able to share with someone. I appreciated her taking the time and I told her that |
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First, I’d like to tell you about my co-worker Connie Kelley. She is not only a great support to us all in the office, she has also went above and beyond to help my family Second, I’d like to tell you about Sonya Bell one of the most caring people I know. On Thanksgiving night, the furnace in my house stopped working. Due to my husband being laid off and also needing surgery our finances have not been in a place where were we can afford the thousands of dollars to fix it at the moment. So, we have been trying to make due through the cold weather with small space heaters. Which are nice to have but really only keep us from being able to see our breathe in the house. In other words, they are helpful but not able to heat up the house to a large degree. We had not thought to stock up on wood through the year due to only using the fireplace for special occasions. Upon finding out our predicament, Sonya and her husband delivered a truck load of wood to our home the following Saturday for use in our wood burning stove. Telling us to let them know when we need more. |
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The thing that was most meaningful to me was when a fellow co-worker (who did not make much more money than the rest of us) secretly paid for our lunch (a group of 5 of us). Nothing was expected in return. Sometimes our coworkers can be demanding, or expecting something in return. But this was not the case. Very meaningful. |
| Recently I was inspired to do a very brief appreciation activity at a staff meeting I facilitated. It took less than 5 minutes- everyone turned to a neighbor and said one thing they appreciate about working with them. The activity was strange for our very work-focused meetings. Still, I received a lot of positive feedback on the simple activity. That feedback- that folks appreciated that we took time to appreciate each other- it made me feel wonderful and like I can make a difference in our workplace. I am encouraging my colleagues to introduce appreciation and kindness-based activities all over our meetings and our everyday work. It’s possible. It feels good. It makes a difference in our day and ultimately can change our work culture. It can make us more prepared for difficult times and better servants of the public every day! |
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I have been shown loving kindness by so many in my office. The most recent that stand out are: Tammy Gover was a peer then was promoted to management in our office as Another one recent was Rozalynn Horsey, our admin staff and friend, took the time to go shopping for my birthday and pick out special foods that I can eat, since I have tons of food allergies and she knows how tough it is to celebrate a birthday and not be able to have traditional celebration foods. That was the best gift, I had no idea some of those options were available and I wasn’t left out of the celebration. |
| Sometimes it is just the smallest things that make the biggest difference. My colleagues sign and give me a birthday card every year on my birthday. It is thoughtful, kind, and encouraging. I have each one displayed at my desk and sometimes, when it is a rough day, I like to read them and realize how blessed I am to work with great people. |
| Last August (2019) – I had several coworkers throw me an adoption party. My husband and I adopted two boys (siblings) and the staff threw me a surprise adoption party. I was completely and utterly shocked and so overcome with loving kindness that I cried at the sweet thought! It was wonderful to work with so many kind individuals. |
| About three weeks into my new job of working with the state I was feeling completely overwhelmed by all of the information that I was being bombarded with. The method of training made no sense to me and I literally did not think that I could do the job. At the end of one workday, I walked out of the building feeling particularly dejected and thinking that it would be best if I just quit. A co-worker that I had not spoken to yet in my three weeks on the job passed me and asked how things were going. We ended up standing there for 10-15 minutes while I poured my thoughts and feelings out to her. She encouraged me to give myself some grace, told me that things would get better, and then she continued to talk to me in such a loving and motivational way that as I left that day and drove home I knew that I needed to hang tough because I COULD do the job. As if that wasn’t enough loving kindness, I later found out that this colleague had some health issues that made standing for any length of time very painful, yet she had stood there with me for 10-15 minutes without any complaint whatsoever. I’m very grateful to her for the time she took to listen and to motivate me! |
| I am a new Case Manager for the Lakeview office and have been training in Klamath Falls. EVERONE there has been kind, understanding and helpful! A shout out to Klamath Falls APD. |
| During a rough time that I was having in my life, my coworkers surprised me by decorating my cube with all sorts of fun decorations. They signed and left a card on my keyboard, and stocked my snack drawer so it was overflowing with my favorite snacks, sweets, and hot teas. Their thoughtfulness made me feel appreciated and loved. |
| After being away from the department and out on a leave; I was nervous and anxious in a major way about returning to work. I did not know how I would be received or treated. First day back I saw the director of the agency who greeted me warmly as if no time had passed. I immediately felt a sense of relief and calmness that my return to this workplace would be well received. To this day, when I think about this, it brings tears to my eyes because she had no idea of the magnitude of her gesture. Her actions had an immediate and significant impact on my well-being. |
| While being out on medical leave for two months my co-workers (Jamie Williams and Janet Rassmussen) took care of my unit and made sure everything was taken car of. Upon my return, I was welcomed back with open arms, smiles, and words of encouragement. |
| I have multiple food allergies that prevents me from enjoying all the normal treats that get shared around the holidays. So, one day Tammy Prince in the Audit Department of MCTD gave me some “Peanut Brittle” specially made with my severe limitations in mind, so I could enjoy some treats around the holidays along with everyone else. |
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I had a coworker help me with a major filing project; without asking she gathered the I normally am the one who helps others and it was wonderful for me to have help-even though it was very hard to accept that I needed it. I felt very pampered. |