So, where have I been all this time? Ensconced at The Forge, that’s where.
Some people don’t know this, and I think they should – The Forge is the only place in the world where they really SHOULD want to work.
The energy abounds, and the team environment that exists is not superficial, it’s personal. It’s deep and real and there is never a moment where you are left to just ‘get on with it’. There’s banter, there’s laughter, there’s picking on each other (Hey, Brendon, nice guns :P) and there is real care.
The truth is, I’ve had two personal things happen whilst I’ve been here – both of them disconcertingly scary – first, my mom is in hospital, recovering from a serious operation. You missed that one, didn’t you? Yeah. She is. And she’s recovering. But, on Monday morning whilst she was in theatre, I was beyond concerned. And the moment I had word that my mum was out of theatre and in recovery, everyone breathed a sigh of relief with me, not just for me.
Then, on the same day, I learnt that I had lost a family member in waiting. I’m not going into details on this one but, it broke my heart to know that Cam will never know this person. And she was so excited to meet them. Rest in peace little one. And, in my other life, away from here, I would have felt so alone at that time. But, I didn’t. Not even a little bit. Everyone was sad with me, not just for me.
Are you seeing the difference here? I am.
And then there is the work that I do at The Forge. The glorious play that I can have with words and researching. I learn so much, every day, and totally get to bug the crap out of Chris. Hehe.
I’ve never worked with such a team. A natural team. It’s not forced, there are no silly team shirts and there is no demanded-upon team building with arsey pyramids and cheerleading. It’s an energy that exists just because it does. I don’t know how Sue did it, but she does.
It’s focused, it’s caring, it’s committed and it’s real. And that pervades into every single piece of work that emanates from The Forge. The fact is, if you want to be a client that is cared for, cared about and work with a team that is inherently interested in what you do and how you do it, you want to have The Forge with you.
And for all this greatness, I blame one person. Sue. Sue, the creator of beautiful things, Sue, the writer who speaks her truth without fear. Sue, who awes me with her endless love for those around her. Sue, the woman I am proud to call my friend. Sue, who makes all things possible.
I love you my friends. Thank you so much for this time. It’s true when I say, that you have changed my world.
I am footed in gratitude. And buoyed by love. Thank you.
Sounds like a magical place. A magical place about to be deluged with CVs and solicitations for employment. But I agree- all the people there seem lovely.
What a lovely post. I second your words on Sue, she is special. Whatever energy is here, your stay has only added to it in awesome ways. Thank YOU Cath.
It’s been awesome having you here Cath, I’m so happy you got to come and experience all of this – The Forge truly is a fantastic company 🙂
I missed out on the joke about Brendon’s Guns cos I was out training – spill the beans!
Damnit. I’m experiencing that wet eye thing here…
You’re so right. In fact, I was so right when you told me how right I was when I told you all those months ago how awesome they all are. Except, just not so absolutely eloquently.
xxx
We’ll see you soon, Special Lady xxx
So… the pyramids and team shirts are a bad thing!?!??
I am sorry you had a rough time while you were away…
I am glad you’re so happy in a work environment.
Hi
Was doing the ordinary “check the mothers blog procedure”, and thought I would just check up on your blog and see what all the fuss was about! 🙂
And i must say that i completely regret not getting to know you more whilst you were down here.
Not only is your writing amazing, but specifically this post, brought even ME a few tricky swallows to handle. It brought some incredible feelings i have for my mum and what she has done for her OWN business.
Thank you
Son #1
I’ve mailed you. I am so awed by everyone. I am so so lucky that I have been given this opportunity to love those who are around me, and be loved in return.
I am so blessed. We are all so blessed
X
My friends. My sweetest, wonderful, real, honest friends.
I am awed. So much love. X
So. When are you moving to Cape Town?
So glad you enjoyed your time with Sue and them (they’re a nice bunch!)
Sorry to hear about the bad stuff that happened *huggles*
As a father I am so proud to hear all these wonderful things being said about my daughter. I have always known that Sue is a very special person but it is so great to hear other people, friends, colleagues, family etc. express the same truths and that it is not just me – the proud father – who feels that way.
What a cool place!! So sorry about your loss of a family member 🙁 all so very sad