As a writer for over twenty years, my life has been interspersed
with peaks and valleys.
Stories are a plenty as often they find their way to me in a
myriad of ways, which sees myself -the author- ask for God to be the ink in my
pen, when writing them.
This post is about integrity, the power of connection and the
harmony found in letting go of things, in order to find purpose. At the core of
my blog, during a time of isolation, is to use my creativity to evoke thought.
To those who are in my circle of friendships, some have
lasted decades, while others have faded away. When we entrust others with
personal aspects of our lives- we are giving away fundamental parts of ourselves.
Whether in the workplace or in the privacy of our home, what we share are words
that can be used to bolster us or be seen as weaponry of destruction. How
fortunate then is it, to have a belief system that even if you are wronged by
someone, you know the power of forgiveness.
Years ago, after my daughter Shayla passed away at the age of
21, there were clusters of grieving people…family, friends, loved ones and even
strangers who came to mourn her.
One of those who joined me in bereavement, was my best friend. Since knowing her in Grade 5, our lives were intersected throughout the
decades, in calamities. We had seen each other through the worst of times. There
were also the moments where celebrations were present. Never could we have foreseen
a division among us, after all we had endured. After my daughter died, the
bitter roots of grief and anguish took hold and we parted ways. Weeks turned
into months and one year became several. Despite our distancing, I continued to
pray for her and her loved ones~ people I called family.
Then, only two months ago, I received a message from her. It
took me less than a minute, to reach out and re-connect. For both of us, time
had not erased the friendship we shared. Catching up, a flurry of messages went
back and forth. Some of what I had to share was difficult, given all that I had
overcome. Yet she offered her compassion and assurance that she would have my
back, moving forward.
Only a month ago, I received a message that someone she knew, was working for a construction company in Victoria. Knowing
I was unemployed and evicted (in the midst of the coronavirus) from my home,
she reached out to him. Shortly after, I was hired by Pomerleau, whose 50 years
of history as a leader in construction industry in Quebec, embodies strong family
values. The company is working on the McKenzie Interchange Project, in
Victoria.
In the past, my employment history includes a dedicated work ethic,
to companies with a core foundation of strong families. From the Sanderson’s (Sandstorm North Contracting) ~
who I worked for in the Provincial Parks, to the Butchart’s where I was employed
at their Canadian National Historic Site ~ The Butchart Gardens, I have enhanced my skills and gained valuable
knowledge.
My position at Pomerleau was classified as Labourer II. I was
a cleaner, hired to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, by disinfecting offices, outhouses,
and surfaces requiring proper cleansing. Having an extensive background in sanitizing,
updating my WHMIS, and being a former supervisor, provided me with the
confidence to not only do the job well, but exceed expectations. In addition to
my skills, I have learned the importance of respect in the workplace and maintaining
open communication. This has me blessed to have received several letters of reference,
which shows my commitment to my job roles.
Every time I cleaned the three construction sites, we worked
in, I did two things. As I set out my checklist, I prayed while I went about my
daily duties. Not for myself, but for others in the workplace, who have family,
loved ones, friends and people who matter. I thought about them returning home,
feeling confident that their environment had been made safer, after my
co-worker and I completed our tasks. The other point was to take notice of things
that mattered; items that needed to be removed from the sites that caused issues
with the coronavirus. I took pictures of important concerns and made sure to
address them with my Supervisor.
One day while cleaning a building, I saw the following quote
written on a board and it resonated with me…
 |
| ~ Simon Sinek |
Never did I take my job for granted; especially now in as we
are surrounded by uncertainty. Every paycheck, I gave thanks, for as it kept
me from homelessness. I also was reminded daily of my own health. Seven months
had passed since I was placed on a list to have a consult with a Specialist.
With COVID-19 immersing the world in a pandemic, I did not expect to hear from
anyone soon. However, only two days ago, I received the long-awaited call and
was informed that I would be contacted again to set up a Biopsy.
The first thing to enter my mind was how could I take time
off work?
The revolving door of my life, brought a sudden change, when
I was called into the ‘office’ by a Project Manager. Due to the near completion,
and there were two of us who cleaned, I was let go. This was not a surprise, given
the nature of the construction business.
For me, it was what the Project Manager said, that reflected all
I had achieved. After his expression of gratitude, he shared how I had made the
workplace safer. Also, my cleaning was of high standards and when all of the
project was complete, I could drive through it, knowing my contribution was
valued.
My response was to give thanks for everything; my job, the essential
role I had and how grateful I was for the wonderful opportunity!
After, I went into each work building and thanked the men,
who gave me a chance to keep their work areas clean and safe. With no handshakes,
I let my appreciation, being known in my words.
As I drove away, I thought about my former co-worker and
later sent her this message:
We are all chapters in someone’s lives- some short, while
others carry on the story, but each support one another, so as to complete the
book. Thank you for your company, communication and working alongside me. There
is no need for you saying sorry, as I was able to work for awhile and provide
for myself. I hold the laughter and time we spent together with deep regards.
Turns out the revolving door of life worked out well, as I just received a call
that my Biopsy is scheduled for Monday. For me, this is every indication that
Gods provisions is in His timing. Be Well, Be Loved and Be good to yourself,
because you truly deserve it! Take good care. ~ Tonya
While this part of my life comes to a closing, I now will
focus on my health and what may lay ahead.
I know the life lesson I have been given, stems from a place
of familiarity between myself and the company of Pomerleau, where I was
employed… The essence of integrity, will shine through and long be remembered,
for what a person stands for.
by TL Alton
