Panera Bread’s Post

As I contemplated reposting this, I realized the significance of discussing grief in the workplace. Losing someone you interact with daily, suddenly and unexpectedly, is incredibly difficult to process. We spend the majority of our time with colleagues, sometimes more than with our own families. Shannon's passing was a profound shock, and I found myself shedding tears at my desk, trying to carry on with work. This was my first experience of grief at work. I was tasked with organizing grief counselors to come on-site and their presence was pivotal in helping us navigate the complex stages of grief. My interactions with Shannon were always marked by kindness. She made me feel like part of the ATS family from day one, particularly with her love for sharing sweet treats with the team and daily welcoming gestures. I miss our daily interactions, from sharing laughs to small talk about her kids and daily life. These are the moments I miss the most. Grief is a new territory for me, a maze of emotions that demand to be felt and acknowledged. It doesn't adhere to a timeline; reminders can bring the pain rushing back as if it happened yesterday. Working through that week was one of the toughest challenges I've EVER faced. I'm grateful for the time off my workplace provided afterward, allowing me to reset and connect with activities that brought solace. Even now, I'm still processing Shannon's death. To those unexpectedly navigating grief in the workplace, I offer this: take time off, lean on your support network, welcome your feelings and know that ALL your feelings are valid.

In honor of Memorial Day, we recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. Your bravery will forever inspire us.🇺🇸❤️ #SecuritySolutions #ProtectWhatMatters #TailoredSecurity #EventSecurity #SafetyFirst #privatesecurity #homesecurity #securitymanagement #secureyourbusiness #secureyourfuture

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This Memorial Day weekend, I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices made by the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms. Consider these two contrasting scenarios: 1. Today, we wake up with food readily accessible, cars that take us anywhere we want, and the convenience of modern technology. We often find ourselves complaining about trivial inconveniences like bad coffee or a messy house, and we get frustrated when our WiFi isn’t working. 2. Imagine waking up to the sound of a trumpet or sirens overhead. You quickly put on your clothes and boots, not your favorite sneakers. There’s no time to scroll through Instagram or catch up with friends. Instead, you see your comrade next to you, knowing your day is about protecting each other, facing the very real threat of death. Scenario 2 is the reality that allows us to enjoy the freedoms and comforts of scenario 1. This Memorial Day, let's remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Thank you…. May the two numbers on our tombstone allow us time you have given us to make the (dash “-“) count.

As we gather to honor Memorial Day, we remember not only those who have served and sacrificed for our country but also the ongoing journey toward healing and justice within our communities. 💛This day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the importance of nurturing a society that reflects the values we stand for—equality, respect, and dignity for all. ⚖️ In remembering the past, we acknowledge the wounds of social injustices that continue to impact many in our society. Today, we recommit to healing these wounds through education, understanding, and empathy. By fostering environments where healing leads to growth, we strengthen our communities and create a foundation for sustainable peace and prosperity. ☮️ 🕊️ Together, we can transform our collective suffering into a source of strength. United in our diversity and driven by our common goals, we support each other to build a future where everyone enjoys a better quality of life. Let us use this day to reflect on our shared values and reinvigorate our efforts to move forward as one. 🌱 🤲 On this Memorial Day, let us pledge to remember, to heal, and to unite. Together, we build the pillars of a resilient community that honors the sacrifices of the past by crafting a just and hopeful future. 🌟

Here, from my publisher, are links to four of my op-eds/essays adapted from my book, along with a sampling of review highlights (with links to the full reviews, if of interest)

Please see below

We have released this upcoming week’s blog post a couple of days early, as is titled “Commemorating Memorial Day: Meaningful Ways to Honor the Fallen". We hope it provides you with some good ideas on how to honor those who have lost their lives in service to our country when you celebrate the Memorial Day holiday on Monday. Visit AltruisticJoe.com and click the “Blog” link at the top of the page to read more on this topic. Thank you for your support, and have a great weekend - Cheers! #altruisticjoe #memorialday #memorialdayweekend #veteranownedsmallbusiness #veteranowned #supportsmallbusiness

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day 🐾 As we gather to commemorate Memorial Day, let's take a moment to honor not only the brave men and women who have served our country but also the courageous service dogs who have stood alongside them. As you celebrate this important day, remember that large gatherings and celebrations can be overwhelming for our dogs. Here are a few tips to ensure they stay comfortable and safe during Memorial Day festivities: PROVIDE A QUIET SPACE: If you’re hosting or attending a busy event, make sure there’s a quiet, safe spot for your dog to retreat to if the festivities get too overwhelming. MONITOR FOOD AND TREATS: With barbecues and outdoor meals, be vigilant about what your dog might snatch up. Keep unhealthy or unsafe foods out of reach. KEEP THEM SECURE: If your celebration includes a lot of coming and going, make sure your dog can't slip out through an open door. Check that your yard is secure if they'll be spending time outside. FIREWORKS - if you are attending a fireworks celebration leave your dogs safelyat home. Let’s ensure this Memorial Day is enjoyable for everyone in the family, including our four-legged friends. Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Memorial Day!  #MemorialDay #HonorOurHeroes #ServiceDogs #Veterans #JoyfulDog #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #TimetoTrain

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