Some years are just hard. They have highlights and some wonderful memories. (Those need to be remembered with joy!) None the less they are just plain hard.
This year was one of those hard years at my house. Just as one thing seemed to resolve itself something else happened that was equally as challenging.
My husband had back trouble that seemed to plague him most the spring. He went to see doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors to get it straightened out. Thankfully sleeping in a recliner seemed to give him a little relief as during that time.
Then my husband was laid off from his job of twenty years. He is a very gifted computer programmer. Unfortunately, the language he used for twenty years isn’t very popular here. He has gone back to school to learn a new language. Thankfully his former company gave him a wonderful severance package that included insurance through the end of this year.
I tried desperately to get a teaching job in the public school system and in several daycare centers. I just wasn’t what they were looking for or they didn’t pay well. The only job I was offered this summer was less than half of what I made before I stayed home. Thankfully I found a job at the beginning of November teaching in the computer lab of local public school. It pays more than the daycare jobs would have but doesn’t have benefits. My husband to negotiate the new government healthcare system for a week to get health insurance worked out.
The day before Christmas my mom went into the hospital with kidney and liver failure. She is still there. It has been five weeks. We have heard many thoughts of what the problem could be. We were told to take her off life support at one point. Which we did and she miraculously has had amazing days of talking and smiling. She had surgeries to fix problems and procedures to fix the fixes. We have been told to pick a rehab center and that she would be leaving in two days. Then we were told a week later to not plan on moving her.
It has been a hard year. I have cried harder and prayed harder than I have in years. My family has been blessed by people we know in real life and hundreds online over and over again.
Those hard times haven’t ended. My husband still needs a job. My mom still needs to get out of the hospital. We still need to figure out where she will live after rehab. (She probably will need us to sell her house and move her into a nursing home. )
I don’t want to end the year dwelling on all of this, though. I want to focus on the miracles we have been given. The friends that have loved and supported us. The amazing gifts I have living at my house with me. My guys are truly blessings to me. I am so thankful for them and to God. He has truly carried us each and every day through it all.
Your positive message in the midst of so much going on that’s not all happy says a lot about your character. Happy New Year to you!
You stayed so strong during 2013, Deirdre! I hope 2014 brings you a lot of blessings.
2012 was that year for me. I couldn’t blog about most of the things that were going on, as I wanted to respect people’s privacy, but it was very difficult and I spent a lot of time sobbing in private (and doing hospital visits). And, like you, focusing on the love of my boys.
I hope 2014 is 110% better for you and your family. I’m so glad you have support and your faith to help you through the hard times.
Many years are just hard. You’re so right. Wishing you smooth transitions and love and peace into 2014. May it be filled with new jobs, your mom’s health and all sorts of blessings.
My thoughts are with you. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
You are an amazingly strong woman! I have faith that things will work out.
I can feel your pain. Remember, the system are people. Where people fail in helping you, others will help you. Stay tuned, tell everyone that you want to work. Tell them again a few weeks later. Think of more possibilities. Out of the box! Hug your husband! Thank you for telling us about you and your life.
I can feel your pain. Remember, the system are people. Where people fail in helping you, others will help you. Stay tuned, tell everyone that you want to work. Tell them again a few weeks later. Think of more possibilities. Out of the box! Hug your husband! Thank you for telling us about you and your life.
Your one strong woman. 2013 was rough for me too. Losing my mom to lung cancer was very tough she was the reason Ziggys Corner was created. From one bento mom to the next I’m here for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are an inspiration to all about finding the positive during adversity. Big hugs! Mia from PragmaticMom
My prayers are with you! It was a hard year for us also, but our issues were health concerns. It is a wonderful thing that you turned to prayer! We did too. Prayer unlocks the storehouse of Heaven and brings you in touch with the infinite possibilities of the inexhaustible resource of a God who loves you and who knows your every need. Keep trusting, keep praying and keep pushing forward, you will make it! Wish you the best in 2014!
I’m so sorry about your job troubles and your mother’s health. I know this will be a better year for you!
I am so sorry for the hard year you have had. My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing you through this blog. You are such a positive, creative, loving person and it shows through the comments that you make and the amazing activities that you plan for your lovely son. I wish you much joy for 2014.
Honest post…one that I will definitely stay with me. We love you!
thinking of you during this time… Here is to a GREAT New Year!!!