Friday, September 5, 2008 began like any other day. I remember grumbling as I hit the snooze alarm for the second time. I thought about taking a sick day as it had been a rough week at work, but I forged ahead, stumbling as I entered the shower and glancing at the small water resistant clock overhead. As I emerged from the shower grabbing an outfit to wear I noticed what a beautiful day it was and the birds singing and fluttering above in the tall tree in my backyard, relishing the treats put out the night before, seemed to think so as well.
On the drive to work I recounted the clients I would be speaking with today and some of the resolved issues I would be addressing. I thought of these issues with a modicum of dread and as I got closer to my destination, my cheerful mood grew solemn. As I swiped my employee badge and walked into the building I heard a voice resonating through a speaker. Moving closer to the voice I noticed a room full of my colleagues standing in the center of the room captivated by the speaker. As I listened I heard the words closing and I nervously leaned forward and in a whisper, I asked one of my colleagues what was happening. To my surprise she stated that our company site was closing. What I remember most about that day are the faces of those I had worked with for so many years. The look of anger, fear, and disbelief filled the room and all I could think of was how much I did not want to go to work that day and everything I would miss from that day on.
As several days had passed I found myself hopeful, and my connection with others like myself who were without jobs would become a lifeline. Through our shared grief we would come together sharing ideas, information and resources. There was a light at the end of the tunnel and it would guide me towards all of the possibilities that were within my reach. I would look into training for a new career that was in high demand and I would start several small businesses that would bring in some additional income. I knew I was an excellent cook, so I would cater to small groups. I had a knack for arranging gift baskets so I would design and sell them to friends and family and I would write articles which was always my first love and I would not only survive, but I would flourish. My income may never be what it once was and my spending habits would be severely trimmed, but I realized I had all I ever really needed which was family, good friends and the knowledge that life’s challenges can reap great rewards.
