That Day Is Gone Poem by Curtis Johnson

From the beginning of my day it appeared that the tasks ahead were not going to be good. It seemed that a day of calm and peace was doomed from the start. The help that was required to do a good job for our customers was in doubt. The helper was due to meet me at an agreed place and time, but did not. I was therefore forced to work fast and furious, and I was rather frustrated.

I finally accepted the fact that this day would not be a piece of cake. In my haste, my mind must have turned to paste, as I chased the clock. Things became a little brighter when my helper showed up later on; and my day did indeed get better.
In the process of the race and the rush, I lost the door key of one of our customers. I had always labored to be the best, and expected the same from our helpers in business. And now, I was embarrassed, and felt lost; I felt like a failure. I had no choice except to call and apologize. I informed my most gracious client, and he said for me not to worry. I worried anyway and wandered back and forth in my mind.

Another day came with the client and his key on my mind. I kept on worrying, because those keys I could not find. I was both worried and embarrassed at the same time.

Our business required being fully trustworthy and reliable. It demanded and required total focus upon the best interest of our customers. We held the keys to their homes; and they needed to feel secure. How could they feel secure if we could not hold on to their door keys? How could my wife and I build a successful business, if I am busy losing keys?
My kind customer called me later that day to inform me that his pool cleaner had found the key. A very heavy load was quickly lifted from my deflated and wearied soul. It was the end of one of the longest 24 hour periods of my life. My spirit was lifted even higher when four little words failed from the lips of our client that will stay with me for a life time.
As I expressed my gratitude of the moment and shared with him the sheer frustration of yesterday, I was wonderfully encouraged and blessed when he said something that I will never forget. In a sincere and calming tone, he said to me, 'That Day is gone'. cj080308 PS; PH