I’ve stayed at Lemonade Stand for almost three years, despite job offers from other companies. Just goes to show how a little care and attention goes a long way.
About six months ago, my husband, Brad, was playing a pickup game of basketball when I got a call from him. “Aren’t you supposed to be dunking on your competition right now?” I joked. Instead of laughing, he asked me through gritted teeth to come pick him up because he’d felt something pop and shift out of place in his right knee.
Fast forward a few months and he’s waking up from anesthesia, making the nurses laugh by requesting “the presence of Mrs. Haralson” (that’s me) over and over. He had to have complete ACL reconstruction surgery. The recovery is long and painful for that kind of procedure and because it was done on his right knee, Brad wouldn’t be able to drive for at least two weeks (it ended up being four).
He told his boss about the surgery multiple times before leaving but on the Friday before Brad’s surgery on Monday, his boss said, “Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!” Brad reminded his boss about his surgery and got back, “Oh right, well will you be into work the next day?” For what felt like the 10th time, Brad explained that he would be on strong painkillers and wouldn’t be able to work for at least a few days.
On top of that, he’d have to work from home because he wouldn’t be able to drive. (This company has several full-time remote employees and what they claim to be a “competitive view on work-life balance.”)
A Post-Surgery Surprise
After Brad’s surgery, he sent a doctor’s note to his boss that explained how many days Brad would be out. His boss responded with, “Will you be in tomorrow?” Words cannot describe how baffled we were at this point—no “Good luck with your surgery,” “How did it go,” “How are you feeling” or even a few seconds to read the doctor’s note?
The day after Brad’s surgery, I was taking our dog for a walk when I stumbled on a package sitting on our porch. I had told coworkers about Brad’s surgery and that I might be slow to respond to messages since I’d be taking care of him but I didn’t expect a care package!
And it was from Spoonful of Comfort, which is a legend at Lemonade Stand (truth be told—I’ve just been waiting for an opportunity to get a Spoonful of Comfort gift). It was full of individual mini pies and a heartfelt note to Brad encouraging him to get better.
Since I work remotely, most of my team has never even met Brad.
After the complete lack of consideration from Brad’s own boss, the gift from Lemonade Stand felt even more unexpected. Since I work remotely, most of my team has never even met Brad. But they took time to send us something and show their support. I was extremely grateful for a couple things during this time:
1) Of course, the beautiful package from Spoonful of Comfort that felt so personalized (take a look at their Instagram here but warning: you will want to order a package immediately)
2) Lemonade Stand’s remote work policy that allowed me to help Brad recover without stressing about getting myself to the office
3) Supportive and thoughtful coworkers that live by Lemonade Stand’s mission to “Build Then Bless“
Be Someone Who Builds Then Blesses
Just by the way: Brad quit that company and started his own business. On the other hand, I’ve stayed at Lemonade Stand for almost three years, despite job offers from other companies. Just goes to show how a little care and attention goes a long way.
Don’t be like Brad’s oblivious boss—be someone who builds and blesses (and use Spoonful of Comfort when you need the perfect gift idea!)
