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Shay Brown
Benton Harbor, MI

I lost my job. And my mom. But not my will.

Two years ago, I was working every day and in the evenings I would sit by the bedside of my aged mother.  So  I was an assistant manager by day, daughter/care giver by evening, and all the other people I needed to be––mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend––by night. I suppose I slept somewhere along the way.

Then, on April 11, 2014, I was separated from my job.  And May 18, 2014, death separated me from my best friend, my mother.

I am the youngest of seven children and my mother’s pride and joy! I wanted to roll over and give up, but this was not an option, as I am wired to be a survivor.

Within the next year, I was able to find work, but not anything that would lead me on a career path. While still coping with the absence of my mother, I kept trying to remember that I am destined for greatness, even if I must now proceed on my journey alone.

I then found myself employed, as a contractor, for the largest appliance manufacturing company in the world.  April 11, 2014 was my separation date from my previous employer.  My new hire date with Whirlpool was April 11, 2016.  Irony?  No, destiny.

Now I am surrounded and supported by a family of people who support me in so many ways (not even knowing my story).  They support my thoughts and ideas, they impart knowledge and they depend on me and trust me.  They motivate and encourage me to be my best “me.”

Because of all the nurturing that I receive, I feel like a flower that is blossoming.  Because of my work family, I believe in myself.  And I have the courage to make a difference in the lives of others as well.  I will touch others the way that I have been touched.

Today, I am happy to be where the core values my mother instilled in me, integrity and respect, are relevant.  I am on my way to uncover more of my hidden talents and discover the strengths that lie within me, making my mother proud as she watches from above.

Don’t be afraid to share yourself with others.  When you’ve been wounded, it is real and it does hurt. No one can replace another.  But I would advise my coworkers to be willing to let others bring new joys and new life through new experiences. Let your new experiences take form in a natural way.  This will give you a better balance of overall health and wellness.  Center your being on balance and gratitude!