The Father I Never had Died Before I Knew

I’d been with the company a few years, had gotten a promotion to a managerial position, but only got a very small salary bump with the new responsibilities which also came with increased work load.  My boss saw my disappointment. He then told me that I’d get a bigger increase when the next budget came through.  I was so excited and could not wait as I counted the days. My boss knew we had a newborn on the way and our expenses were tight.  

When the time came I received the increase in my paycheck, it made all the difference and my they told me that they couldn’t get it approved through corporate. My boss also shared in my joy and excitement as the added monies alleviated a huge financial burden.

A few years went by and my boss became closer to my family. My boss was very fatherly and became a mentor to me.  He was the father I never had because my dad left before I was born. I never knew my real dad.

About a few months ago, my boss passed away from a heart attack while he was at home.  It was a very sad day for many people.  I went about my daily routine with my job but missed my boss so much.  

The company owner came to me and offered me my bosses job and said it would come with a substantial raise. When I received my next paycheck, it was the same amount as what I had been receiving all along.  

And it was at that time that I realized that my boss was not able to get me a raise all of those years ago, but instead added to my paycheck out of his own pocket just to help me financially. I just sat down and cried from never knowing just how kind my boss was to me to make sure that I was able to raise my family.

I will never forget him.