A Farewell

The mister was hired from the Philippines 20 years ago this year to work for a company based in Maryland. We also came to the US in the summer of that same year.

The man who interviewed him in Cebu, Philippines, and hired him died last weekend. He is a significant figure and reason why we are here in America.

I remember that I would get uneasy on the many company occasions that we were seated in one table. You see, I don't know about their company. Well, I kind of know, but not really. I am in an industry that is totally different from theirs. Therefore, I can not join conversations if the topic is about work.

I remember vividly that one exact moment many years ago, he assured the people around the table that the company wasn't affected by the current job cuts and losses of many companies in America that year, and that the company still was doing great.

I also can not forget that one time he was telling a story about one of his visits in Cebu, Philippines. While doing his morning run near Cebu Plaza Hotel, an askal (a street dog) chased him.

I remember, one time, Fe and I just came from the ladies' room, and I even remembered what I wore that time when we bumped into him by the open bar. She is the wife of Leo, a Filipino who has been in the company for a long time, and who's the reason that a lot of Filipinos were hired from the Philippines in the 90s. He is also a dear friend of the boss. Fe asked the boss with a blue silk necktie if he knew me. I lightly elbowed her. I found her question so awkward for me and for him too.

 He answered Fe,

   "Of course! She's Jay's wife!"

* big deep sigh! That was such a relief. Her intention was to introduce me to the big boss, but by his answer, there was no need for that.

Really? How? There are hundreds of his employees, and add the wives to that too. This was really a surprise because that event probably was the first few times I went with the mister to company gatherings.

Yesterday was his memorial service. I am thankful that I was able to get a ride with a friend who has worked for the company many years ago. He cancelled all his morning meetings to be able to attend the gathering. Although not an owner of a company, but I guess it is good to be the boss. Hehehehe.

The previous night, I got an inquiry for an item to be shipped ASAP first thing in the morning of Friday to New York via Fed-Ex for a magazine cover photo shoot. The customer was a famous photographer who've worked with some of my favorite renowned photographers. Sadly, I had to turn down the order because I couldn't meet his requirement. I have some rush orders but we're all ready for pick up by the mailman by noon the following day. I couldn't squeeze in his order because I have to drive to purchase shipping and drop it off at his required shipping carrier. His one major requirement was to ship the item to a shipping carrier that my shop does not offer. I couldn't be late at the agreed time for my friend to pick me up. I guess, I can also say it is also good to be the boss. Hehehehe.

There will be more orders and sales in the future, but I couldn't miss the chance to be at the mister's big boss' one and only memorial service. I am in no way directly connected to the company, but for me, one shouldn't find excuses not to be there, and one must find all the reasons to be there. He has done so much to many of us. He is indeed a great loss to a big company he built in 1968 from the ground up of 200 employees, in 10 offices that are located in 3 different countries. That was what I learned from the memorial service shared by his son yesterday.

That is indeed laudable!

To Jerrold Van Winter, I sincerely thank you for the chance, the opportunity, and the trust you gave to many of your employees especially to the immigrants, for your generosity, your great leadership, and your kindness. It is not only your employees that have benefited from your goodness, but the families of your employees as well. Coming to America was a piece of cake compared to what many immigrants have to go through. We were able to build our homes, live comfortably, and achieve dreams here, and that also includes the dreams and endless opportunities of our children. Your generosity, leadership, and faith in people is your legacy, and we are forever grateful to you, Sir Jerry.

Rest in peace.