January 30th was Regis Obijski's last day at NHR. He was our executive director for 26 years.
Let me ask, how many have received a personalized birthday card from the 'big cheese' or the guy in the monkey suit at your job? I don't mean a pre-made card with his signature stamped or printed inside by the card making machine. I mean a different birthday card to every employee, every year for 26 years. Each one has a personal note to the special birthday guy or gal about what he appreciates in them and then signed with his first name.
I'll take it a step further. Who makes breakfast for people at your job?
Who helps take out the trash and vacuum? Shovel snow? Visit employees in the hospital?
Usually these are the tasks carried out by cafeteria workers, custodians, maintenance workers and family or friends.
Regis either didn't know that or didn't care. Or perhaps he understood something that few get a hold of and live out. Not only can and do we get by with help from our friends, but "unless someone like you (each one of us) cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." (Dr. Seuss, The Lorax).
What he accomplished for everyone at NHR in the time he was there, I can not even list or name. I can only speak for myself. I started at NHR over 15 years ago making between eight and ten dollars an hour. He always greeted me with a smile, had time for small talk and never forgot my birthday. Last year when my dad was quite ill in the hospital, he went to visit him.
When I sent him an email to thank him for all the birthday cards and shared how much I looked forward to getting one each year, he just explained how he has always enjoyed sending cards. He also wrote, "I'm thankful you were born."
Thank you Regis for taking the time and caring a whole awful lot! Thank you for leading us with such a generous servant's heart!
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