I can hardly hold my eyes open this morning, not because the sun is shining into them. In fact, it's rained almost all night, and I know this because I barely slept a wink. God and I were up most of the night talking things over, trying to come up with an additional plan, other than Plan A which is to trust in the Lord with all your heart.
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Tuesday night Justin had called me all upset about something----more lay offs at work, and this time, my very dear friend, Betty. She's been with my former company nearly 12 years but the boss had to let a mess of people go, including Mike, the superintendent, now called "builder", who has also been with the company for many years. He's young, hopefully he can find another job, but not so for Betty. In fact, today is her birthday and I believe she's in her late 50's, and it's also her last day. Gulp! Of course, this news threw me for a loop as only a skeleton crew remains, few contracts in the future........yes, it's hitting real close to home now!
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Yesterday my greatest (nearly) fears were realized when my phone rang and the ID showed my former spouses' name. Oh no, this can't be good! And I was correct, it wasn't good. To make a sad story short and not reveal huge amounts of information, I am being asked to take a pay cut, or at least begin the bargaining process. "You can't get blood from a turnip" is one of the reasons given. This news is not a terrible surprise but it is wretched nonetheless. All this keeping in mind that the Lord has the world and its machinations in His hand.....but, I just wish I understood more.
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In an unusual turn of events, and I'll discuss this more another time, I found myself sympathetic during this uneasy conversation, harkening back to the times we struggled together to get our bearings after our partner left. That was when I went to work at Sprint, to earn us insurance and float money until the economy turned around again, and we were accepted as preferred builders into Eagle Harbor. I've said before that if I hadn't already lost a child, losing my business or my part of it, was like losing a child---we'd raised it up from nothing. I always tried to keep in mind from whence cometh our help. And yesterday, my former spouse told me he'd said to several people already that this was the second worst week of his life. We all know the what the worst week was...........there is really no comparison.
7 comments:
Kim,
The tears are flowing, I remember visiting you one year, and realizing that things were not going so good economically for you. Keep your eyes focused on our Savior, from whence cometh your help! You are in my prayers, dear friend.
Love and hugs,
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the tears and for the concern. Yes, we've discussed that time when you came down and we were living in the Village of Fireside, etc. As I said to Dee last night, now I get to practice what I preach. Really I know everything is going to be okay on some level or another. Oh, by the way, I'll need a heater in my bedroom....
Love and Christian hugs,
Kim
You have alot of people that are here for you one way or another. Either with words, actions or prayers. You did talk to the right person last night. I do understand how hard this is for you. You are a strong person and you will be fine. There are always people that are in worse predicaments than you. Love you and praying for you!
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the comforting words. I am absolutely in a far better situation than many folks, like my friend, Betty. The construction industry is so vital here in our area and the hard times affect every aspect of the business, including the subcontractors, realtors, suppliers, title agencies, lenders, all aspects of the start and closing of housing projects. A real example of trickle down! Just when you hate scooping ice cream, the prospect of being out of a job makes ice cream all that more appealing!
Hugs,
Kim
I am very thankful that I have a job. I feel that God had a hand in my finding this job. My supervisor didn't have to come in and talk to my friend at the service desk. My friend could have gone for the job herself. Yet she told me about it. Yes I know there are many days that I don't like my job or should I say the stress that goes with it but I thank God I have a job.
Oh Kim, we are falling together. We still have no clue about Mike's job. One day Merrill sold his part of the company, and three weeks later he is working for both companies. This week the emails were flying about 5000 to 10,000 lay off from both companies.
I know your heart aches for the people let go. I can still remember when you told me they were your family.
The good news is we have a 28 year old leaky tent that we can put up next to the Port O Johns at the church and make Mac n cheese over a campfire at church. Just you me and Mike, well and the Grandkids when I have to babysit.
We can get through this because God has his arms around us!
Mom had this happen many years ago, and she stood strong, worked as a waitress and drove a bus for special needs kids. I can still hear her crying at night because she worked the two jobs and was tired.
Remember I wanted to be like you when I grew up. Don't lose faith. Your being knocked to you knees right now and a good friend in NJ reminded me when that happens don't forget to pray.
Big hugs tomorrow!
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for offering to share your tent! That's what it's all about, isn't it? I hope that things finally settle down as far as Merrill Lynch and his new company.
Yes, I've felt those people are like my extended family, and we've stood by each other all these years. I've stayed in their homes through the storms of 2004 and hope to support them if they need my help. And you, too!
What a story about your mom and her struggle to hold the family together.
I look forward to your hugs tomorrow but will squeeze you back twice as tightly!
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