I have not written in a very, very long time so where to begin. I started painting again, and am definitely working towards my goal of getting into a gallery. I am have switched jobs, I am no longer work at the Westin. I left and became a concierge at Hotel Indigo. My previous Director of Front Office from the Westin is now my current GM at my new property, The Alida Hotel. I completed my Certified Hotel Concierge certification and I was one of the Employee of the year at my new property.
This week has been a whirlwind, Sunday night I received a call from a dear friend, only to be shocked when it wasn’t her voice, it was her son. My heart sank, she was not doing well and was in Hospice. I know (more than most) what that means. I told him to call me with any change. I then called and DM everyone I could think of to prepare them for the news. Wednesday morning at 10:17am the phone call came, she passed moments earlier. I admit I lost it, I sobbed and tried really hard to walk out of the back and go outside. My co-workers stopped me and I did not make it. Hugs were exchanged and I went back to work. My day was a fog, I told one of my coworkers 3 times, because I did not remember. I made the phone calls and hotel arrangements for myself so I could be there. I got back to work helping guests because that is what I do. I got home that night, talked with Jeff and he told me you need to be there. It meant the world to me that he let me leave on a busy weekend and go say goodbye.
Thursday I went to work and everyone was so shocked on how well I am doing. I know I handle death differently. I have to keep busy, I need to keep going. Does this suck? Yes, it does and there is nothing I can do about it. Sadly the world does not stop, I still have work, my kids still have dances and book fair, Jeff still has laundry to do (yes my husband does the laundry). As sad as I am for losing an amazing, strong (damn strong) woman in my life, who has been in my life for 20 years. Hell she was the first person I told I was pregnant with Jillian (outside of Jeff). She is the reason, I am a concierge. I remember calling her when I was offered the Chief Concierge position at the Westin asking her if she thought it was a good fit. Her response absolutely, you would be perfect. Six years later, I am a Certified Hotel Concierge (CHC) and a member of the National Concierge Association and am going for my Keys. She was also the first person I called when I passed my CHC test. You could call her at anytime and she would answer (usually “Howdy stranger”) I admit I suck at phone calls. She was amazing and I owe so much to her. Damn, I am going to miss her so much and I am so blessed to have known her.
Amanda 😊
PS: Please excuse any typos on this post, I typed it on my phone.
Who Are You Calling Crafty? 