So a few weeks ago I had big dinner to celebrate Big Boss' birthday. Dinner was held in a restaurant located in an office building where I used to work until 7 years ago.
The office was based there for 7 years also, and moved from the 17th floor, to the 6th floor then eventually to the 2nd floor of the Annex building after the company slimmed down to only me and the boss. If other building used a Security Company for the guards, this building managed their own securities and guards; so during those 7 years I worked there I knew almost everyone from front to back. Sometimes they asked for a cup of coffee which I gladly provided them, cause then whenever I have to worked overtime until as late as 11pm, the guards would take turn in checking up on me and of course to find me a taxi to get home :)
Since the company moved out, I dropped by the building just twice or thrice, and occasionally found a familiar faces in the front desk / concierge or the parking lot. But that night, I was in for a big surprise.
As we finished dinner around 10pm, we had to go out of the restaurant and re-entered the building to take the elevator to the parking lot. I was laughing with the other guys and said goodbye when someone suddenly grabbed my hand and shouted: "It's been a long time since I saw you!!"
My friend was surprised but I was even more surprised cause it was actually one of the guard that I knew many years ago; holding my hand with a grin on his face! I couldn't hold my laughter and told him back: "Pak (Sir), it's been a long time indeed!! How did you even still recognize me?"
Then another guard came running to us with the same grin on his face and held my other hand, saying: "I knew it was you when you came in! You haven't changed at all!" Mind you, I changed a lot in my opinion! LOL So there I was, standing in the lobby with 2 old security guards holding my hands as if I was their long lost daughter!
We chatted for awhile, they asked me where I work now and stuff... Then I told them that it's late already and I really had to go home. One of them asked me: "You're going to the parking lot? Does it mean that you're driving your own car now?" I just nodded and he beamed: "I'm happy for you that you drive now!! You used to take the ojek (motorcycle taxi) or a taxi back then, but now you're driving your own car, I'm so proud of you!"
In that moment, I felt so touched with their attention and cares. There were some leftover deserts from the dinner that the boss asked me to pack, so I left those for them and told them "to enjoy it during their breaks in the night shift." They took me to the elevator, waited for it to arrive and waved at me until the door was closed.
I was still smiling and thinking about what just happened a few minutes ago. When I gave my parking ticket on the way out of the building, apparently there's another security guard inside the box with the parking person. He made a double take at me and smiled: "It's you! What brought you here? Long time no see!" I was in for another surprise! But it only took a minute or so to pay the parking fee and out of the building, so I shouted at him before I drove by: "I'm sorry I couldn't talk you for long, but I wish you take care of yourself. Goodnight!" He waved at me and yelled loudly: "Bye bye!!"
During the drive from the building to home I couldn't stop smiling and laughing by myself. I really felt grateful that those old men still remember me well even after 7 years. I was also happy to see that they are well, and I felt humble that someone like me was still remembered by them. They must've seen hundreds of people coming in and out of the building everyday and 7 years wasn't a short period, but somehow they didn't forget me.
The other guys who were waiting for their cars and saw what happened asked me later on, who were they. I told them they're the building's security guards and kind of remembered me from where I worked there. They raised their eyebrows: "They still remember you? What did you do back then?" I shrugged and just said: "Don't ask me, I have no idea, it still surprised me."
Whatever I did that made them remember me that way, I still couldn't forget the way they smiled at me and the warmth of their hands holding mine as if to welcome me back there.
Thank you for remembering me, Pak. I won't forget you too and I wish you stay healthy and safe at work. Next time I drop by, I hope to be able to say more to you.
I will remember you all, just like you have remembered me.
