I’ve often told people that I love my job 90-95% of the time. Unfortunately, the 5-10% of the time that I hate it usually happens all at once, and sometimes on the same day. Most of the time, it is minor aggravations, like dealing with a dispute or a high-maintenance guest who is bound and determined to be unhappy. But the time that I really hate this job seems to be happening too often as of late. Throughout my time in the casino industry, I have met some of the best people in my life, and as we are all getting older, I seem to be sending out way too many sympathy cards and attending (and singing at) far too many funerals.
I was so young when I started in this business, and there have been so many kind folks who I have had the privilege to meet, work with, and who have welcomed me into their lives and homes. They have shared their stories, offered me advice, and taught me lifelong lessons that have made me a better host and a better person. They are my family, and I hate that I won’t see them, hear their voices, laugh with them, or plan a surprise for them again.
They have been wonderful examples of acceptance, forgiveness and love. Those who have passed have left a mark on me that I can never forget, and they have changed me in every way. I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.
Here are only a few of those who I miss to this very day:
Dr. John, who, along with his wonderful wife Eleanor, was the epitome of grace and a true southern gentleman. They became our unofficial mascots at the casino; they were at every event and loved by everyone at the casino. Dr. John and his best friend Bob were WWII heroes, and they, along with their other childhood friends, defended our country. I would listen to their stories (and funny bickering while playing cards) for hours. I never heard a bad word or comment from him ever.
Miss Lynn, Bob’s beautiful wife, who gave me the best gift I have ever gotten, my boy, Buddy. Buddy was a red-headed Pom puppy that she had and wanted me to have so that I would remember her (like I could forget). His official name became Lynn Boykin’s Bad Ass Buddy. Lynn was not only giving, but a true sportswoman and conservationist who was always up for fun. Her whole family was the same way.
Faye, my other mother. She and her husband (lovingly known as Bad Bob because of all the jokes he pulled on people) were constant fixtures and would help anyone who came their way. I, quite frequently, used them and their opinions to improve things at the casino, as they visited several casinos (but ours was always their favorite). She taught me about unconditional love and lifted me up without saying a word. Truly, she was one of the sweetest people to ever walk the earth.
Frank, the “bad boy” Italian who was the perfect example of a teddy bear wrapped in armor (he tried to look so tough, but was a real cream puff). I will miss the prank phone calls we always made to each other. We were always trying to outdo each other. His wife Debbie, my coworker Jean, and I pulled off the crème de la crème of pranks when we convinced him that he had to wear a suit to our NYE event. He hadn’t worn one since their wedding 30 years prior, and he was more comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt, but Debbie wanted to see him dressed up one more time. Imagine the look he gave us when he walked in and saw the guests wearing overalls! I won’t repeat what he said!! The minute that the event was over, he ran to his room and changed, cussing the whole way!
Rawhide (my work husband) and his lovely wife Sue. They opened their hearts and home to so many. He called every woman he saw “baby” and told them how beautiful they were … no exceptions. They always had a hug, a story or a hand to share. Their love for each other and those around them was an example that I admire and try to emulate in my own life.
There are so many others – Butch, Mildred, Andy, Jackie, Mike, Marie, Goobie – all examples of unselfish love, laughter and support that I will forever carry with me.
So, if you are a host, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with your guests and love what you do! Develop those relationships and take the time to know your guests. Listen to their stories and share a few of your own. Learn from them … the good and the bad. Your guests will love you for it, and it will change your life.
