Friday, July 15, 2016

Life is Hard and Hopeful

Yesterday, Dr. M lost his job during the latest round of downsizing at his university.


We are having all the feelings there possibly are (except maybe surprise): anger, joy, trepidation, anticipation, grief, hope...




And our personal drama seems to be playing out on the world stage.



Nearly every day something happens that calls forth these same emotions. It's exhausting. It really is.


But we are choosing to focus, here locally in the Bug Household, on the opportunity this presents.



It's scary, as opportunity often is. But whatever happens, I plan for both of us to thrive.


34 comments:

  1. Everything always works out... hang in there.

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  2. Keeping hopeful and making the most of the good things in your lives will see you through this difficult time. Love and best wishes. x

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    1. Thank you! Chin up and carry on, yes. There are many good things in our lives.

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  3. From the Sound of Music... "Maria: When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." Opportunities will come your way. You are both in my prayers.

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    1. Thinking of you both...I think you should move south :)....hang in there, I'm sure it will all work out for the best <3

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    2. Thank you! The thought of moving south has occured to us :)

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  4. Lots of love for this new phase.
    x

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    1. Thank you! You know a thing or two about new phases.

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  5. It's for the best. And yes, the personal drama is part of the world drama.

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    1. Thank you! It is for the best, for me personally, anyway. Take care.

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  6. I am so sorry to hear this. As one who's been through downsizing in the past, I can testify that there IS life afterwards -- and often surprising and magical changes! So seeing this as an opportunity is a good approach, I think. Still, the shock takes a while to absorb.

    Fab pictures, as always. You're seeing beauty in the midst of the stress. :)

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    1. "my life goes on in endless song above earth's lamentation..." I am in shock, yes. But I know that there IS life afterwards...thank you so much for your kind words and empathy!

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  7. I'm so sorry. I can empathize. H was downsized in one of the waves of downsizing when his company was "cutting the fat." Like Dr. M, he had survived several waves, but not the last one. That's when we moved back home from MD. We couldn't really afford to stay in that area, but good things can happen in situations like this. It ended up being the best thing for us, and I hope the same will happen for you. I wish both of you the best. I hope you find a great opportunity in the midst of the stress that comes with getting downsized.

    I love how you posted such inspirational images along side this very challenging news.

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    1. Thank you! We will be taking our time, looking at possibilities. Of course we will keep you posted!

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  8. I think this has hit every family in one way or another and I'm so sorry it has hit you and Mike. I'm sending Carolina positive thoughts that this will end up being a blessing and a great opportunity. Best wishes dear blogger buddies.

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    1. Thank you! We hope for the best, and we are in a position to take our time going forward. That is a luxury many do not have, alack.

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  9. I know that something equally rewarding will come along. I've lost many jobs and something better has always presented itself. Still, I feel for Dr. M. And know how painful this can be.

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  10. As so many others already commented...I've been there, and I remember the scared, stressed feelings. But I also remember the feelings of hope and opportunity and being on the cusp of something new and exciting.

    So don't be surprised if you feel a wide mix of feelings, often positive and negative all within a short frame of time. In my opinion a job loss is similar to experiencing the death of a loved one, though not quite as traumatic. My thoughts are with you both - and from what I know about you both, you will get through this and come out ahead. Wishing you the best!

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    1. There is a strong sense of grief and loss, both on a personal level and for the obvious transitions that have taken place for the school and so many of my friends. I will dearly miss the students.

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  11. life is about change. and change can often be scary especially financially. but change is necessary for growth as well. whatever happens, whatever path presents itself, it will be whatever you make it to be.

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  12. Looking at the flowers, I can't help but wonder if that geranium is the one that was nurtured over the winter. If it is, it's a wonderful symbol of survival and beauty, and what can be done, with just a little help. Even if it isn't the same plant, it reminded me of the one you cared for. There's no question that there will be friends -- and perhaps even strangers -- to help care for you through this transition.

    I've been there, in different circumstances, and the only phrase that comes to mind is "gut punch." Once the pain of that begins to ebb, you can start moving forward.

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    1. It is the same plant...Ms Pinky! We have had it for years! I keep it pruned, repot as needed, and we give it a nice sunlit window in the house during winter. Thank you! Yes, I've been punched in the gut, literally and figuratively, before...we will move forward.

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  13. Life IS hard and hopeful...both those things. Thinking of you during this time of transition.

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  14. I'm so sorry. It is a scenario that we have been through many times, unfortunately. Wishing you the very best of everything, and hoping for the best of everything, too.

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  15. It is indeed a strange and sometimes scary world we're living in. Our economic/political/world events are just upside down. I hope and pray you and Dana will weather this storm and as you say, thrive.

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  16. I echo all the above encouraging sentiments.

    On the lighter side: Peter Rabbit, but no Mr. Mcgregor?

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  17. I am so sorry! after having my husband lose his job 2 years ago, I can with all honesty say that God does have a plan and when we wait patiently on Him and trust Him, it is always a good plan!! Praying for you both as you navigate this hard time.

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  18. It's a tough time, have been through it and out the other side, definitely focusing on the opportunities in this is the way to go, and tell him don't rush into anything, but stay confident in himself and bide his time to do what will really work for him. x

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