OMG It’s John Carlin Day!

By John Carlin
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: November 25, 2008

If yesterday was just another day, then today was just the opposite.

Yesterday I lamented that it didn’t feel like the final Monday in a 21 year career.  Today didn’t feel like the final Tuesday – but it DID feel like John Carlin Day.

That’s an odd feeling.

The staff at WSLS threw a nice going away luncheon for me in the studio, as I finish out my final week before joining Access Advertising and PR next Monday.  Much to my surprise, Roanoke Mayor David Bowers showed up and read a proclamation declaring this John Carlin Day.

I mean, wow. 

It was pretty easy to call my mother and tell her I just had a day named after me.  My sons were proud, and my wife was pleased – but then what?

Do you start calling everyone you know to tell them it’s your day?  How would that sound to the people on the other end of the phone?

Friend: Hello?
Me: Hey – guess what?  It’s John Carlin Day!
Friend:  Huh?
Me: No really, the Mayor said all this great stuff and he named the day after me.
Friend: Well…  Congratulations?
Me: Well gotta go call more friends.  Happy John Carlin Day!

I did announce the fact on my Facebook page, and people have posted wonderful comments.  This is the type of thing that works better as a text than a call anyway.

I’ve already had multiple people ask if they could get the day off, with it suddenly becoming a holiday an all.

I can also say that had I known prior to the luncheon that it was John Carlin Day, I would not have spent the morning cleaning the garage.

In all honesty – I am truly honored by the tribute from David Bowers and all the well wishes that followed from the WSLS staff at the luncheon.  I’m humbled by the recognition and truly pleased that someone took the time to put it all together.

To all of you who were involved or took the time to say congratulations, I say, “Thanks.”