Up, Up and Away

Ever since I first saw the movie “To Fly” on the Smithsonian’s IMAX screen, I have wanted to go up in a hot-air balloon. I've wanted to see what it is like to just float above the earth among the clouds. Thanks to some generous coworkers I will now have the chance.

I have been working with many of these math geniuses for much of the last 12 years. Although we are in different divisions, we contribute equally to certain aspects of the survey we work on. We have developed a model for communication that works without a flaw. All of our work is programmed independently by our two respective staffs and then compared until every number matches to the 14th decimal place.

But beyond getting correct results, we have learned how to respect each other and talk to each other without involving our egos. This is something that many competing staffs never master.

Instead of our usual 11 AM meeting today which I was supposed to run, they surprised me with lunch. It was gourmet box lunch from Gerard’s of Oxon Hill. Who knew there was gourmet food in that part of PG County?

Then they pulled out a surprise wrapped in none other than a printout of pages from our website. Inside I found a certificate for myself and a companion to take a trip in a hot-air balloon while we sip champagne.

As I sat there in utter disbelief and amazement, the chief of the other branch, who is a macho Puerto Rican, gave a little speech that nearly brought tears to my eyes. He said all the things my superiors should be saying for me. It didn’t matter who said them. It felt so good to hear those words and to sense the good vibes from everyone in the room.

What a send-off! They couldn’t have chosen a more perfect present to launch my retirement. My heartfelt thanks to Alfredo (Freddie) and the gang! And especially to my friend Steve because I know he organized the whole thing.