Well, it's been nearly 24 hours (have to deduct one for DST) since I received a phone call from Institute Secretary John Patrick McCaffrey at 1:28 p.m., to let me know I'd been elected a Fellow in CSI.
My first call was to my wife within 10 minutes to let her know. I also called Sheryl Dodd-Hansen, my number one cheerleader in this effort. She was at the West Region mid-year meeting with Paulette Salisbury, my official mentor and good friend. I spoke to her after the meeting later that evening. After that, I tried to keep working for a while (in the office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon - what's wrong with me?), but I kept losing my concentration. I have no idea why.
When two hours had passed, I started calling my 15 endorsers and the chapter leaders who had helped me. This is not a one man endeavor, even for an overly independent contrarian like me. I got in touch with most of the folks for whom I had a personal number. I'll try to call the rest on Monday.
But let me just enthusiastically say; "THANKS!!!"
I also talked to my Mom and Dad and let them know the good news. Told them to pack their bags, 'cause they're going to Indianapolis in June. One of the reasons I really wanted to submit this year is that the convention is in my backyard. It's about three hours from Columbus and an hour more from Zanesville, where they live. They're in good health, but Dad will be 71 in June and I'm not sure how many more long trips he's up for.
Saturday night I called Sheryl again to say that I couldn't really remember the call from John. I do remember that my first response was a chuckle, or perhaps a giggle. I'm still tickled by seeing Mike Davis as Uncle Sam...
Anyway, I've been trying to figure out if I could tell anyone, when I noticed Sheryl posted a congratulatory message on my Facebook wall. So much for keeping it a secret - just kidding.
I don't know all the members of the Class of 2009, but I can't wait to see the announcement from CSI. I know of several friends who submitted and I wish them nothing but the best.
I'm still floating a little bit, but am starting to feel it sink in. I'm going to need new business cards in June. I'd better start handing out a few more in the meantime. The waiting reminds me of my brother's plight. He made Chief Master Sergeant last February, but couldn't "sew on" his new stripe until August.
Well, this has been fun, but it's back to reality. My wife's car died on Friday, and I have to go play mechanic. See you soon!
1 comment:
Yes, Lane, you deserve congratulations! Being advanced to Fellowship in CSI is a validation of all the efforts you have made over the years to contribute to the construction industry.
And I'm glad that you will be able to share your moment in the spotlight with many members of your family. They must all be very proud of you. As am I, my friend.
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