When I started working at KHBS, I was told that in the news room you are considered “Momma Marilyn”. I had no doubt about it when I heard that you had taken a reporter to the ER after one of her numerous stumbles, or when you picked up Mike’s car after an oil change, or that you were puppy sitting for vacationing co-workers. You must’ve had them whipped into shape too, because I’ve always been awed by your talent to achieve the payroll deadline for all of them! Then one day, you rescued me from a horrible hair day!
When businesses and schools were closing due to inclement weather and I didn’t have much to do, you asked me if I’d like to help out. That was the first time that I got to witness the impressive energy of the news room! When your position changed and you had to move to the other end of the building, I worried that after years spent with all the action, that you would become lonely and bored, but you met the challenge with ease and seemed delighted that you got your own “GM Assistant’s” parking space!
Teaching you how to enter the deposit became a highlight since most of the time we giggled like little school girls, talked about music and little Nevada towns…hardly having anything to do with the deposit!
You have a knack for dealing with all types of people and I have to admit that I was one who transferred weird phone callers with bizarre questions to you! And I’ll never forget the guy who came into the office saying that the government put a device in his ear and the alarm in your voice as you said “Don’t touch him!” He was the reason we learned together that Susan is terribly allergic to Lysol!
During school tours of the station, I look forward to when you near the accounting office because it makes me smile as you explain to the kids that “This is a business and just like any other business, we have a business office…” In this way, you make us feel important and our job interesting.
I had the joy of seeing your elated reaction to your birthday surprise at Dave and Cheryl’s restaurant, especially when Mayor Baker made an appearance to declare August 20th “Marilyn T.... Day!”
I thoroughly enjoyed the night at Bella Italia and teasing
Sometimes when the debate over a reality show across the hall became boisterous, I’d yell out, “Are you talking about Amazing Race?” or “Are you talking about Dancing?” and then run in there just so I could share in the opinions of who should be going home, who was getting an unjustified ego or who was going to win! After you pointed it out to me, So You Think You Can Dance’s Marc really does look like Gregory Peck!
Sending a co-worker off to their next adventure was always bittersweet and the farewell wouldn’t be complete without the anticipated poem you’d compose with memories of their stint at the station. When Kim left, we made signs together for her friends to hold up during the news cast to express how much they were going to miss her.
When I felt kind of lame in my photography class, you encouraged me and told me about your art class that you had signed up for. Sharing your talent of beautiful drawings with all of us!
I get a kick out of seeing you walk around the front office while Susan is at lunch. It reminds me of your Pedometer and how you would walk a step forward, a step backward as we chit chatted about work projects or whatever. I wondered where you got all of this energy from!
I love the idea that you pay a car payment to yourself each month so you can pay cash for the next one. That must take a lot of discipline that I haven’t found in myself yet.
I just want to thank you for all the conversations about I-80, Minna-Snowta,
As I walked toward the door each night, I’d say “Have a good night” and you would say “Sounds like a great idea”, but then we would discuss the real workings of the intriguing Chia-Pet. Who knew?!
Marilyn, I’m not good at poetry, but to write a story I have a little more confidence. I hope that you can forgive me that my lines don’t rhyme, because I really do know it, I’m just not a poet…ha ha ha!
I miss you and I’m thinking of you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Kate Mc2
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