Today marks one year. It’s surreal, isn’t it?
One year since we’ve all been together at the office in Oshkosh…
One year since we’ve gone out for a team lunch or happy hour at Manilla, Gardina’s, Becket’s, Mahoney’s, or any of our other favorite spots…
One year since we’ve regularly met with clients in person…
We were all together on March 11, 2020, face-to-face in the office. Ellie and I live the farthest from the office and made it a two-day trip, driving up from New Glarus and Chicago on March 10. We had some great client meetings that day, then a late dinner with Justin. On the 11th the whole team was together in the office. We talked about COVID-19, but had no idea what was truly in store for us. I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me what was coming.
I was on the board of directors for my kids’ daycare and got a call on my way home from Oshkosh that we’d be having an emergency meeting to discuss what the “public health emergency” meant for our small town daycare. The next day, my son’s school announced a two-week closure. It was the first of so many announcements and closures.
I feel fortunate that my last week of “normal” included face-to-face time with the E/Power team. I feel even more fortunate that I’m part of a team that was committed to making things work throughout all the chaos of the last year. We have been relentlessly committed to helping our clients, while equally committed to supporting our employees.
The past year has not been easy. Collectively, as a team, we’ve been so lucky health-wise, but we honor all those that lost their lives. We’ve never been more thankful for the healthcare workers who have been on the frontlines. Our hats are off to all of the hardworking essential workers, nursing home and residential care staff, home health care providers, grocery and retail store employees, delivery people, and of course teachers and childcare workers.
Our lives have changed. I’m a different person than I was last March. We’re a different agency. Our unwavering dedication to helping our clients and our neighbors weather the storm has not changed. We realize now more than ever how important it is for us to take care of each other. To always do the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient or hard.
As we look ahead to what’s next, we will be bold and intentional in our work.
We will continue to set the bar higher for ourselves and our clients.
We will continue to support our team and our neighbors.
We are hopeful and hope you are too.
