Time is fleeting…
On Saturday night, 10/5/13, the wheels of my plane gently
lifted off the runway from Sao Paulo international
airport and I was on my way back to the United States. That was a little more than 6 months ago. From a “time” perspective, it feels like 6
years. A lot has happened with my IBM organization,
job, and department since returning.
However, my memories of Brazil
are vividly and indelibly imprinted in my mind.
As I reflect on those 30 exciting, fun-filled, and glorious days in Brazil, the
faces and names of my Brazilian friends come flooding back to me. The sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of
Minas Gerais are quickly recalled when I think about my CSC (Corporate Service
Corps) assignment.
Since returning, much has happened with my family:
=>
My mother turned 85 in February. All 5 of her children (3 daughters & 2
sons) went to Pennsylvania
to celebrate.
=>
Audrey, my oldest daughter, graduated from
Florida Southern College (FSC) in December 2013. My wife and I are extremely proud of her
because she graduated from college in 3 ½ years.
=>
Camile, my youngest daughter, was accepted into
the Pratt School of Engineering as part of Duke University’s
Early Decision program. She will be
going to school there in August 2014.
=>
I started my 35th year with IBM on
11/8/2013. My entire IBM career has taken place in Tampa, FL.
=>
In October, 2013, my wife (Niurka) and I
celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.
Dear Brazilian Friends,
Even though I may be “gone” from your beautiful country, you
are definitely NOT forgotten. If you
have a moment, please send me an e-mail.
I would enjoy hearing all about what you’ve done with regards to our CSC
project’s recommendations and business plans.
Also, I would love to hear what has been happening in your lives outside
of Ipe.
I miss all of you and I frequently think about how I can get
back to Uberlandia one day and once again join my extended “família brasileira“
(Brazilian family).
Sincerely,
Joel Cleveland
IBM Corporation
Hi Joel, what a nice surprise to hear from you again. And yes, it has already been six months that we were in sunny Brazil. There's not a day that goes by that I do not think of our wonderful adventure. I must admit, we have our WhatsApp group (you really need to get a smartphone!) where we share stuff and pictures of our daily lives which is keeping the memories alive, but, of course, there's no thing like the real thing.
ReplyDeleteWish we could sit down and have a beer at Cajuba, or a caipirinha at Thalia's ;-)
Wishing you a great day! Your friend from Amsterdam. Olaf