My Business Family, by Brent Brown

I hope you don’t mind if I give an update on my situation, and some insight into one of the things I have been thinking about a lot.

I have finally made it to the top of the list for a Heart Transplant. I am thankful that my artificial heart pump has operated well for the last year and a half, but it is not expected to continue to support me for the long-term. I expect to get the transplant soon. It’s been a difficult time. There have been struggles and pain, but there have also been some really good things that have come as a result of my heart problems.

One of the things I’ve been thinking a lot about is how much I appreciate My Business Family. This family includes all the people I have in my business world, including my customers, the owners of Winona Foods, my coworkers, and the great production people I have at our plants. It’s been wonderful to see all the people who have given me support and encouragement as I’ve dealt with my issues. I don’t know what I would have done without them.
I’ve always known My Business Family is important to me, but I’ve gained a new understanding of how much they mean to me. Many of us spend more time working with our business partners than we do with our own families. Our business relationships are such a key part of our lives. I realize that I am offered assistance from a number of people every day. The owners of my company have given me guidance and support, both before and after my medical issues. My co-workers all stepped up when I was down, and helped to make sure my customers were taken care of. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Through it all, I’ve come to a renewed understanding of how important it is for me to have these relationships, and how important it is for me to give the same support back to them. When my troubles are over, I intend to pay them back for all they have given me.
I apologize if this sounds like a repeat of my last message, but it is important for me to sincerely thank all those who have given me the courage to fight through it all, and the comfort that they are always there to help me. As I wait for the call from the surgeons, I will remember how much I care about My Business Family, as they were with me through my difficult issues, and for offering to stand up for me, beside me, as I go through the most challenging time in my life.
If you can, take the time to look at the Family you have in your business, and to see what you can do to offer support and encouragement to them. For me, it was a life saver.
Brent