My second family…

October 4, 2007 by Chris Harrower, CTIS.

Back home again after a long weekend in Pigeon Forge for Virginia Motorcoach. It’s always so great seeing everyone again, and I finally got to go back to Gatlinburg, find the hotel where we used to vacation, and reconnect with my youth (see post below from July 20 for more about my family’s vacations in the Smoky Mountains years ago).

While we were down there, we received the tremendous/sad news about the promotion of Deanna Sorge to a new position with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. She’s got a wonderful new opportunity open for her, but it means she won’t be working the Group Sales shows with the rest of us. And that’s very sad…

Deanna is part of what I’ve referred to here several times as “my second family”. As part of the Seminar, I talk about this industry, and the friendships and even “cliques” the develop. When you travel together for weeks every year, deep friendships develop with your fellow travelers. It’s a natural outgrowth of spending time in airports, on motorcoaches, and in hotels for days on end together.

It’s kinda hard to explain to those who haven’t travelled with us for an extended period, or worked alongside any of us for less than a year or so. But there is a familial relationship that arises that can be as close as a physical family. I was talking about this the other day with my sister (second family sister, that is), and we both had to admit that we’re closer in some areas to each other than we are to our respective spouses. That’s really not a negative thing. When it comes to something regarding the industry, we instantly understand what’s going on. We have some expressions and jokes that make absolutely no sense to Linda and Matt, but can put us on the floor in fits of laughter instantly when uttered.

One nice thing about my second family…it is constantly growing and expanding, and nobody has to get pregnant. Now, that’s mostly an inside joke (we have seven children in my Family at home), but it’s true. I found several new brothers and sisters in Pigeon Forge that were added to my second family over the weekend, and I’m thrilled. It’s exciting when you find someone who shares your passion for this industry, and there’s a natural camaraderie that develops.

It’s a fine line, and unfortunately, not everyone can successfully navigate this minefield. But it’s another huge positive about this industry, and another reason I can’t see myself doing anything else ever again. Just like leaving my Family behind for any reason, being separated from my Group Sales family would be devastating. And that’s the pain many of us have with Deanna’s promotion…we’re all excited for her new opportunity, but sad to lose a sister.

All the very best, Date, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you back into the family with open arms should the opportunity arise!

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