To all of my friends – until we meet again
“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don’t ask why
It’s not a question but a lesson learned in time
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what its worth, it was worth all the while
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life”
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day
Yours is the first blog I have visited in weeks and weeks, Joe. After reading your email, I had to make sure that I got over here. The story of the closing in your previous post is made more powerful when accompanied by all the images of long time A&P employees. You have given them a gift. You have put a face on the number 30,000.
So many things about this story are awful, but the nine million in executive bonuses is the worst.
My thoughts are with you, and Terry, and this big family of employees.
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Thank you so much for your kind comments Laurie 🙂 I also think the real dagger in the chest was the 9 million in bonuses and their unwillingness to give the discarded employees the severance they deserved. Then again when I think of the power these corporations possess combined with the bankruptcy laws (corporate) I am not surprised. Its ironic that a few years ago the laws for personal bankruptcy were made more stringent. Terry says hello and thank you also.
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I left my rant about this whole situation in your previous post, Joe; here, I simply want to applaud your heartfelt tribute. It is a wonderful gift, Joe, and a testament to the bonds of friendship formed by those who travel life’s path together. God bless all as they start down different paths, praying all will find the resolution that they need.
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Thank you so much Stacy 🙂 I hope the next time you come up to NYC you will be able to meet my better half.
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So very wonderful, Joe! You captured the essence of the workers and their relationships! Great work!
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Thank you so much Robyn 😌 Maybe we will have a drink with you soon Terry’s schedule is clear 😌
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A wonderful tribute to the bonds of true friendship. Hints of resignation make their way through the smiles and it is all I can do to hope the future smiles upon such good people after all they have given to the company man.
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You really have a way with words my friend 🙂 I couldn’t have summed it up any better Patti. Thank you so much and hopefully Terry and I will see you soon.
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Great images. All the best for the future for all
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Thank you so much for your kind words Raewyn 🙂
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Love these photos so much Joe! Beautiful people and good energy! The way they pose to you reflects the wonderful person and friend your are! 🙂
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Thank you very much Elina and as you say they are all very good people 🙂 Unfortunately they all feel discarded and betrayed.
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May future be a better world for you and me!!
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Thank you very much 🙂
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This is a beautiful tribute to all the hard working men and women who gave their blood, sweat and tears to the company. They were the backbone of the company. They are caring and compassionate people who gave a damn about the job they did and how they did it. They showed their integrity to the very end, standing tall and smiling. They came through with a lot of battle scars, but they made it! Now it’s on to the next chapter of life. BTW, that song by Green Day was so fitting and heartfelt! A great piece Joe. God bless you, Terry and all my Pathmark brothers and sisters!
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Thank you so much Gale for your very kind comment 🙂
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Goodbye, so long, good luck…
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Thank you very much Robert 🙂
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Here’s to better days. Btw, great shots, Joe.
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Thank you very much Oneowner 🙂
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What a warm action to take for the years to come. Taking portraits of all these people who worked together in happiness and in pain for God knows how many years is awesome. I pray that each and every one of them will find a job to bring happiness and comfort to their families. There are bills to be paid, mortages to be paid, education plans to be paid and a whole lot more. Jobs are needed to bring balance for the years ahead.
It is a very touching gallery of photographs. Excellent work, Joe.
God Bless,
Omar.-
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Thank you very much for your kind words my friend 🙂 I am hoping for the best for each and every one of them.
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… and a wish for better days ahead ❤
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Thank you so much Joanne and my wife thanks you also 🙂
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