In August of 2020, I was called by my DSOM with great news that I had been promoted to RSM and that I would be taking on my first location that 1st of September. Unfortunately, as I was closing up my call with him, I had my older sister calling me on call waiting. The news from my sibling was life shattering as I was told that my mom was very sick and she may not make it through the week, but at the time it wasn't for sure. Fast forward to the first week and I received the news that I truly wasn't prepared for. My mother, may best friend and biggest supporter had passed away. I reached out to my DOSO, DSOM, and mentor and gave them the news of what had happened. They all gave me their condolences and told me that everything will be taken care of and to go be with my family.
I am from Chicago, so I quickly got on a flight to do just that. By the time I woke up the following day, multiple managers in my district and the Northwest had messaged me with love and condolences, offering to run my store for me and make sure that my employees were ok until I came back to the business. I was never told how long I could take or that I had to be back at a certain time.
