Blessings both Great and Small

We've started week one of Job Search (not to be confused with Star Search). The face-to-face interview my husband had this morning was rescheduled to tomorrow, but it was due to a scheduling conflict. So, we're not worrying over that. He still has a phone interview today, and he's really nervous. I know he'll ace it, but I might be a little biased on that.

Meanwhile, we made it through the weekend. It's amazing how, when bad things happen, you get to see the true side of someone. I have been completely overwhelmed by the responses I've received from many of our friends and family, along with complete strangers. As soon as the word got out about what happened, our friends and family have offered prayers, words of encouragement, and much, much more. In addition, our creditors have been ever so kind and compassionate to us. I called our bank on Saturday and spoke with a wonderful man named Dan. He normally works in collections, and according to him, he usually has to deal with the really nasty collection cases. He assured me that the bank would help us out with a payment plan. He said that the best thing a person in our situation can do is contact their creditors AS SOON as the situation arises. He praised us for taking action so quickly. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I'm a control freak! Also, our mortgage company, credit card company, and loan company have said they will work with us. They all understand what position we are in, mainly because there are a LOT of people in the same situation we are in. Plus, the news coverage has actually helped with it because it has spread the word about what happened on Friday.

I went grocery shopping yesterday, which was a very humbling experience. Don't get me wrong-we've been through hard times before. There have been times where we have had to watch every penny we made just to make ends meet. But, we didn't have our son then. Back then, if we didn't buy Chef Boyardee brand ravioli or General Mills brand Honey Nut Cheerios, we didn't mind. It was ok because we knew the reason. But, it seems much harder now that we have our son. He's a little guy-so sweet and innocent. I'm not saying that off-brand items are bad. In fact, I like them a lot more than name brand items. It's hard to explain, but it's like my son is having to sacrifice for something that is totally not his fault. He's having to give up doing things or getting things he would like because Daddy's company thought more of themselves than they did their employees. And what makes it even more heartbreaking is that he's not selfish. I mean, you know the kids I'm talking about-the ones in the grocery store screaming "I WANT THESE CHIPS, NOT THOSE!" then proceeding to throw the ungodliest fit you have ever seen in your life. That's not my boy (promise!). He just says, "Ok Mommy, maybe next time". It's at that point I want to grab him and just cry.

Our son has also been asking questions. He asked this morning, "Mommy, why did Daddy get to stay home today?" I responded, "Well, Daddy's office closed." OK, for most people, that response would have been sufficient. Not for Clarence Darrow of the preschool world. He asked, "When will it open back up so Daddy can get some money?" I said, "Well, sweetheart, it's not going to open back up." The situation negotiator then said, "Well, maybe in 2010, it will open back up and Daddy will go back there." I couldn't help but smile at that one. I told him, "Well...maybe. But, Daddy is going to get a new job and will make money. But, just know that whatever happens, we will be just fine. We love you, we are together, and that's what counts." That seemed to satisfy him for now. But, we'll see of Mr. Darrow has any more inquisitions for me after school today.

In the meantime, I am counting our many blessings and God's wisdom. I am also thanking him for both the big blessings such as the graciousness of our creditors and the small blessings such as our grocery bill only being $70 instead of the normal $200.