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The elderly gentleman stood up behind his massive desk leaning on his hand-carved cane, hesitating a moment to be sure his legs were steady,. He shook his head in disdain at his once athletic body that had shrunken a few inches and developed a paunch. He whispered to himself, “Gordon, you have lost it. It is time to retire. This is the day.” He began to hum that familiar chorus, “This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made…”
As he shuffled toward the door leading to his secretary’s office, he stopped a moment to look in the mirror over the fireplace. He saw a virile young man with dark brown hair looking over his reading glasses at him. He squinted and the young man turned into the elderly gentleman he was. Gordon, what wishful thinking. Get on with this farewell party and leave the work to the youngsters around here.
Before he got to the door there was a quiet knock on the door. “Come in, come in.” His daughter Ruth smiled when she saw him.
“Dad, are you ready? Here, let me fix your tie.” She straightened his tie which did not need it, but she felt the need to touch him. After touching his tie, she placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
“Thank you, dear. Let’s get on with this farewell fiasco.” He took her arm and they walked slowly out to the conference room. All of the employees were present and some held cups of punch or coffee as they quietly visited. When a couple staff members noticed their beloved boss, they began to applaud. Gordon looked across the room and saw his son, Gordon, Jr., who excused himself from a conversation. He stepped toward his dad, took his elbow to lead him toward the head of the table. After Gordon was seated, he motioned for everyone to sit. The employees found seats at the table. Ruth and Gordon, Jr. were seated by his side.
His mind wandered as he thought of his beloved wife who had gone to be with the Lord last year. How he wished she were seated beside him also. He looked around the room at his staff who waited expectantly for his usual words of wisdom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have dreaded this day for some time now. But time waits on no man. God has blessed me with years of joy with my beloved Maggie, with two fine children, and guided me in building this business from the beginning. Some of you have been with me during those early years. Your hard work and loyalty have not gone unnoticed. As I turn the reins over to Gordon, Jr., I want you to know that though things change, one thing will not. Your jobs are secure and your pensions are safe and sound.” “I leave you with my blessings and from my rocker I will get reports on how our company is continuing to grow and to serve this community with God’s love.”
Gordon, Jr. agreed with his father. Then he stood up and began his tribute. “Dad, you started this company when Ruth and I were small. Mom was your biggest cheerleader. We watched you work hard. But what has made the greatest impression on us is that you have been our shepherd. You guided us, protected us, forgave us our mistakes, and you loved us.” Tears came to his eyes and he hesitated.
An elderly man who sat next to Ruth spoke up, “Gordon, we have been best friends for seventy years. I cherish that friendship and I speak for all of us when I say that the cane you now use has replaced that invisible staff which nudged us to do our very best and not get lost in the daily grind. We are grateful that you have led us like the Good Shepherd to be like Jesus in all our business dealings and in our relationships. We thank you and wish you well.” Vernon had tears in his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. The applause started .
Gordon held back tears as he thanked God for the good years. “Well, I am not dead yet! Marilyn cut that cake and pass it around.” Vernon stood and walked around Ruth to present a gift to their shepherd to show their appreciation and love.
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