Shane and I walked in the door Thursday night and I started to close the curtains and turn on the lights - my usual evening routine.  I turned on the light in the playroom and walked over to the front door to get the mail and as I opened the door a box fell at my feet.

It was addressed to me, and I knew from the post-it on the front, that it had been dropped off by someone at King Industries.

I carried everything into the kitchen, put the mail down on the counter and stared at the box from King.  I had no idea what might be inside, but I did know it would have to do with Chris.  On this particular day, a day which had been far more emotional and difficult for me, I wondered if this was a gift from my husband.

I put Shane’s dinner in the oven to heat and I sat down to open the box.  Carefully.  And as I lifted the lid and removed the contents from the bag, I found myself holding a framed certificate.  An award.  For my husband.

This is to certify that Chris O’Connor  is hereby presented with the King Industries Certificate of Excellence.

On February 18, 2009 Chris discovered a propane leak on a forklift near his building.  Chris took action to stop the leak and notify others that the forklift was out of service and needed repair.

Chris’ exemplary action is in keeping with the finest safety practices of  King Industries, Inc.

What struck me the most was the date.  February 18, 2009.  Almost 4 months AFTER his cancer diagnosis and just one week BEFORE his first (scheduled) liver embolization.  His condition, his pain, none of it kept him from doing his job.  He carried on like his life was normal.  As if he were okay.  Because that’s the kind of man he was.

I think this award speaks volumes to my husband’s character.  I think if you never had the privilege to meet my husband, this would tell you everything you would need to know to know him.

I think it’s amazing that the safety board at King Industries voted to give Chris this award.  But I also think that act speaks volumes as to the kind of company that King Industries is.

As if the award wasn’t gift enough, on top of the framed certificate sat a couple of notes from two employees at King.  Short little notes, filled with the kindest of words for Shane and I.  Those notes mean just as much to me as Chris’ award does.

To all of you at King, thank you for keeping Shane and I in your thoughts; but thank you even more for keeping my husband’s spirit in your hearts.  You’ll never know how much all of this means to me.

And to my husband, thank you for being you.  Even when it was difficult.  And thank you for this gift.  I will cherish it, and you, always.