Death of a Co-Worker...

[Scooter's Mom]

The email our Department Director sent out today states that there are no funeral services planned as of yet. Brian's family said we could make donations to the Arizona Humane Society in his name to honor him.

Today was surreal. Everyone was crying and I don't think any of us met our production quotas. The director and I were talking and I suggested she send a photo or two out to the team, so she is putting together a photo slideshow. Brian had been with the University of Phoenix for around 5 years. (I've been there for over 8.)

In the 23 years I've been employed, this is the first time I've experienced a loss of this kind. It's not something I want to experience again... although I'm sure it will happen again at some point.

Such a hard day.

[mrspunkysmom]

A good friend and co-worker dies of asthma about 18 years ago. I found out in school just before the rest of the faculty. She was a great person and sometimes I still miss her.

I am sorry for your loss.

[Scooter's Mom]

Thanks everyone.

The last two days have been hard at work. Everyone was crying yesterday.
Today, his best friend and our Department Director cleaned out his desk. Oh my gosh, watching them do that just broke my heart.

People are going about their normal lives. Chatting all the time, NONSTOP like usual (drives a bunch of us crazy, because as a data entry department we need to focus on accuracy and with all the chatter, it's difficult) and giggling and everything. A couple of us are a little frustrated because it's like they just don't even notice he's gone and not coming back. A man died. Someone we worked with for five years or more. Even if we weren't buddy buddy best friends, that should have some meaning to it.

I guess I'm just weird. I don't know.

As of now, Brian's family is still saying donations can be made in his name to the Arizona Humane Society. During the huge fire we had up the the NE part of the state awhile back, the Wallow Fire, he and I emailed back and forth a lot about rescues of animals and things we could do to help the displaced pets and wildlife. He really had a soft spot for critters.

It's still surreal.