My Supports
This assignment comes at a trying time in my life, so it is an easy one for me to answer. I was laid off in August and still have not found a job and was denied my extension on unemployment for Maryland because my last wages were earned in Washington D.C.
My Mom, my sister and my boyfriend have been a wonderful support to me. But I would think they would be. However I have five very good friends that have not left my side, like 3 others that have. My Mom is there everyday to encourage me to go and follow through with my Master's Degree, my sister is there to listen no matter what time of day it is, and my boyfriend hears my complaints everyday and takes on my sadness and does not complain. My friends are also going through very difficult life situations. One has a Mom with cancer, another with a child that has severe anxiety, two that are 5 year breast cancer survivors, and the last that went through a very difficult divorce. They all understand what life can throw at you and are there to listen and give advice. The fact that they can put what is happening on their end on "the back burner" and talk to me makes it very comforting and I do the same thing for them.
Luckily my Mom is in a good place in her life, my sister however is not. About 2 weeks after I was laid off she called with the news that she was divorcing because after 20 years of marriage her husband came out of the closet. So we have spent every day on the phone for about 1-2 hours talking and working through what we are going through. I am sorry she is going through it but we both know how life can, and excuse my language, suck. It has brought us much closer. Jeff has listened, taken my emotional stress, and tantrums like a trooper. I don't know what better supports I can have!
As far as sharing a challenge I think it would have to be someone in my family having cancer. I look at what my friends went thought and I hope I would have the same support system if that ever happened to one of my family members. I had that support when my Dad was really sick and am pretty sure I would have it now. I just need an ear to listen to and a shoulder to cry on if needed, and I know that I have it from my family and friends.
As of right now I am not sure where I would be without these supports. They have kept my head above water for the past 8 months! When I am at my lowest emotionally they come forward and walk me through it. It is true friendship and family relations that help you get through life!
I would post pictures but my computer died and I am using Jeff's I-Mac. Talk about an adjustment!
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThanks first for your honesty and openness to share a difficult situation. In some stress of my own, my hours were severely cut this year. Our family finances have been REALLY tight. On a positive note, I found I became quite thankful for the extra time I had to work on my coursework. There's always a bit of positive...
In some seasons, it seems as if things crumble all around us to the point where we feel that our very foundation has crumbled. I want to assure you it is still there. Remember those parts of yourself that no outside circumstance can steal away. This is your foundation. Your supports; those who have stood by you, uphold that foundation until you feel solid again. And...it is entirely possible to feel solid even before your circumstances change. I believe there is always a reason for uncomfortable life circumstances. You will come out on the other end of this stronger, wiser and able to empathize with the many families who find themselves struggling in similar ways. Hang in...
Tam
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou have spoken very highly of the support system in your life. Keep believing in yourself and lean on others through the hard times to get you through. Brighter days will follow. I will keep you, your friends and family in my thoughts and prayers.
This post has reminded me to thank all the support people in my life and be thankful for what life has blessed us with. Life can change in a blink of an eye.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt is outstanding to have family and friends who maybe going through tough time themselves, and to take time to listen to other situation. I had support peoples like yours in 2008 when I lost my job. Without family and friends, I dread to think what the outcome mmay have been. As you stated you will come out a stronger and wiser person. Just Keep the faith.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI have been through the challenged that you had to imagine and I dealt with it, with both parents-at one time, even overlapping. I rememeber being in the ER with my dad almost 3 or 4 nights a week, as he went through radiation and suffered side effects from it. And during that whole time, he was taking my mom to her chemo appointments during the day. Those were 2 of the roughest years of my life, yet I am so thankful to be able to be a support to them! It was the least I could do to return the support and love they had and have given me over the years. I am blessed to share in this Easter Sunday with both of them still by my side.
Hi Linda,
DeleteYou and your family are going through a lot and yet you still "march on" for a master's degree. Perhaps, this is not the time for you to work and now maybe the time to offer support and concentrate on your studies. I am sure you will get through all this. "If He brought us to it, He can lead us through it". Enjoy your Day!