PAL

Ironically, I once worked for a company whose initials spelled the word P.A.L. And as fun and miserable as that job could get at times, I truly believe that it was there where I met some of my greatest friends. Both life long and in passing.

It was definately the longest job I was able to keep, having stayed there a couple months shy of a nine year tour of duty. And it was during this time that I experienced some of my greatest highs and lows. Both physical and otherwise. I witnessed the passing of an era, moving the store from a cramped space to a new location with what seemed like an abundance of space, but would soon prove otherwise. I saw the three managers move in and out of power. I saw many good people move on to better places, and many useless shits never seem to move a muscle. And though I no longer work in that vocation, I do miss some of the folks. Luckily, however, the ones I truly care most about, continue to be good friends since my departure from the store. So much that we continue to get together for social occasions.

One fellow in particular though, Leon, is moving on to greener pastures. While staying with the company, he is following his heart and moving out the British Columbia, to lend a hand with the birth of a new store in a continually growing entity of a business, but also to be closer to his family who'd moved out there in the previous few months. I had the privilege of being with him for the last few weekends of his tenur here. He came out to witness my making a spectacle of myself on my birthday, two weeks ago. We went out to Warman to visit with other friends we'd both worked with, him at present, me in the distant past. I got to see him get plastered at a going away party this past Saturday, and I got to accompany him to his work's Christmas party Sunday evening at the Western Development Museum.

What was most touching about the Christmas party was seeing how beloved a person he had become over that past eight years or so. I could see some with tears of pride as they presented him with gifts of appreciation and even a grand trophy, clutching a makeshift hydraulic cylinder in it's raised fists. (Leon is a Hydraulic's Specialist with the organization, his reputation exceeding his so much that the manager of the new store hired him on the spot, without an interview. That is most impressive, me thinks!)

He was visibly over-whelmed, as he is a young man who wears his heart on his sleeve, but he maintained his composure and thanked everyone, everywhere, for all the accolades. He is incredibly humble, and this is why he is the proverbial "good guy". Good guys don't come around very often, but when they do, you want to make sure they stay in your life one way or another.

Late last night, as I dropped him at his house, and he so graciously presented me with a couple items that would not be making the trek to B.C., I told him if he ever came back to town and needed a place to crash for a couple of days, to not hesitate and give me a call. I could tell he was genuinely touched.

The dictionary defines "pal" as a very close friend, a comrade, a chum, but what this entry lacks is a picture of Leon, as he is most definately the personification of the word.

I don't usually share people's names in these blog entries, but felt I should do so for Leon, as it's been a real privilege meeting and getting to know this man. And whatever adventures you find and follow in your new mountain home, know that you are always welcome back here on the prairies too.

Have a good life Leon!