Diary of a Laid-Off Dad: Episode 9
Thanksgiving.
It’s a holiday that stirs up a lot of memories and feelings for us. One that comes to mind is gratitude.
Yep, a laid-off dad considering gratitude. A tad bit cliché. I could lean into cynicism and go over the ways I’ve lost out on life recently, how I’ve been knocked down a peg.
I choose not to do that.
I want to make a better choice.
Don’t get me wrong: the past several weeks have been rough. Bad. And yet there have also been blessings. Good.
The good and the bad. And now Thanksgiving. A time to reflect.
If there is a consistent good theme I’ve experienced since being laid off, it’s been support. I cannot deny how fortunate I’ve been to receive such encouragement from colleagues, friends, and loved ones. I reconnected with a former coworker I never thought I’d see again. Casual contacts from my jobs have reached out, and in doing so, become friends. Loved ones back home have extended their heartfelt concerns and prayers. It’s all been amazing.
I’m grateful for them. My community. And from within that circle, I’ve been able to look at the dearest of them all — my wife and sons — with a renewed sense of appreciation and love.
I don’t know what the future may bring. I may find work soon. Or a long time from now. I may find a better job. Or I may have to settle for what I can get. Maybe none of that matters. Maybe this season of my life is a chance for me to set aside what once defined me — my career — and focus on what has always mattered above all else. Maybe this is my chance to finally become what I was meant to be all along: a family man.
