A MEMORABLE TEAM

I don't think the people in this picture have ever really known how much they meant to me.

Shortly before our factory moved south, I wrote and directed a 3 act spoof of StarTrek for our Internal Quality Audit Team to perform at a Continuous Improvement Symposium in North Carolina. It was the first time I had ever written a play that was performed in front of an audience of 300 people! As a writer, that was my biggest challenge to date. As an Auditor, it was a proud moment to be able to represent a few hundred of the best co-workers I've ever had.

One special man in this pic became a life-altering mentor to me while I was working as an Auditor. He is an Engineer who breaks the mold of being an Engineer! I will never forget what he did for me. My confidence and self esteem received a much needed boost from his intelligent encouragement. My only regret is that my affection and appreciation was ultimately misunderstood. Affection should be taken at face value. Such is the way between men and women. I hope someday, friendships won't have to have those kinds of barriers.

We've had our ins and outs,
our ups and downs
And everything inbetween.
They think they've won
by shutting us down
But they haven't really seen.

You put it all in,
and take what comes out
And make it the best it can be.
They think it means metal,
and charts and costs
But the truth is they don't really see.

It's not in the work or set-up instructions
And it can't be found in SPC.
They think they have
all the blueprints they'll need
But their papers can't show
what they don't really see.

As we close the book
and wipe away tears
We can lift our chins up high
For WE are the ones
who hold onto the secret
That made Eaton, St.Thomas fly.

... Cathy Dadson
Apr/'98