Highlight

This highlight comes from a most unexpected source.

While attending a recent dinner to welcome and further vet a candidate for an assistant vice presidency at work, a small group of "leadership" ate and drank together in an effort to get an impression of the candidate to determine whether he was a good fit for us; while he in turn sized us up to see if we warranted a life changing move to Rochester. The jury is still out.

The highlight happened in about 4 minutes while waiting for the valet to fetch cars as we were leaving the restaurant. Due to a spinal cord surgery 10 years ago, I am lower-extremity-challenged. My nerves are overly active in some ways and yet deficient in many ways. I lack balance, feel little touch stimuli throughout my lower body and grapple with proprioception issues. Most people don't know of these problems, because it is incomprehensible until you live it. Bottom line in this instance - stairs are impossible without a railing to hold on to.

So go back to the valet. I waited for the car with a long-time co-worker and the candidate. As we wait, a larger party came out of the restaurant and took up positions along the stairs to the parking lot to wait for the valet. Here comes my car. Here comes the quiet panic of determining the best way to descend to the parking lot without the aid of the blocked railing in front of me. As I am within seconds of turning and taking the long way around to the handicap ramp, it happens.

My co-worker quietly steps away from the railing on his side of the stairs - nods at me - and gently pats the railing. Not a word was spoken. There was an understanding, grace and class, empathy, and a respect all demonstrated through a quick, quiet pat of the railing. The candidate will never realize what transpired between us that night. It was that subtle.

So, co-worker, whenever you infuriate me in the future and you will, whenever we disagree and we will, and whenever I question your methods which I will - I will remember your kindness and understanding. You gave me a moment to believe in the sensibilities of men, co-workers, and those who have occasional lapses of civility.

Thank you. You are my highlight this week - actually for quite awhile.