This past week was one of the longest and most tiring weeks of my career. Not because of working an emergency, heck that comes easy with a natural nudge from adrenaline and caffeine, but because of the unknown and saying goodbye to a mentor.
Many folks thought I had met Cheryl Bledsoe before I came to work for her at CRESA in May in 2012, but the truth of the matter is our first face to face meeting is when I came to Vancouver to interview for the position. The reason it felt like we knew each other, started at least two years earlier through social media, when I was an Emergency Manager in a small rural county in Montana.
Over the next couple years I had the opportunity to engage with Cheryl on Twitter and other social media platforms, and gain valuable knowledge as I worked to include social media into the methods used in Montana. Cheryl was even generous enough to share the tasks from her first year of #30Days30Ways for me to model my own Montana version of the game in 2011.
I began looking forward to our interactions on Twitter including something we called "Prime Time Twitter" which included a couple other friends in the Portland area and a friend in South Carolina. Then one day in #SMEMchat, Cheryl shared there was an opening in her shop. I decided to apply, for the experience, but really didn't think I stood a chance with an agency with such a reputable name. I'm still a little amazed at that she brought me on board, but not only for the job, but for the chance to get to see the Cheryl we all see on Twitter is the same Cheryl in person.
I remember arriving at my new home with the Uhaul. I was trying to figure out how I was going to get certain pieces of furniture unloaded, when guess who showed up... Cheryl and Tim. This is just one example of the kindness Cheryl has shown me since I arrived.
Now in the last two years, I have had some great opportunities to learn from Cheryl, and just this past week, I had to sit in on one of the last classes she taught while at CRESA. Once again I gained something from her. I must say, its been difficult week watching her pack up the office as she moves onto the next chapter of her life. Selfishly I was not done learning from her as an Emergency Manager, however I know there will be more opportunities as time goes on to work with Cheryl
At the same time, I know our friendship will now have the freedoms to grow without the restraints of boss/employee. I know as I close the door of working in the same office with Cheryl, it opens another door, similar to when we first met through social media over 4 years ago.
Thank You Cheryl for the opportunity to learn from you, but most importantly for the friendship and kindness. I am not only to blessed to call you a mentor, but friend!