Back to Work

It is bittersweet that I post today how I will be returning to work on Monday. We have really had to let go and let God this past month. I thought I had planned my pregnancy and maternity leave so well. I had the funds lined up, short term disability worked out, camps scheduled to keep Cole busy and all was to end on September 20th. Well, September 10th I lost my job. So what then? Inside I had struggled with the thought of leaving Cooper. He was eight weeks old when I was to return to work and I just couldn't bear it. He was so small and dependent on me. I cried more and more as the 20th approached. So when I was laid off on the 10th I found myself relieved and scared. I knew we were going to have a hard time paying our bills but at that moment nothing meant more to me than to be with my baby.

This past Monday I was offered an opportunity that not only put an end to our fear but will put us in an even better spot in life than we were before. I could never have planned for this. Even with all my arrangements, God had something much better in mind for us. He really shifted around our life. I imagine He had a big smile on His face as He knew how much happier we would all be when it was said and done. In the few extra weeks I was allowed to stay home with Cooper, I got to see him really develop into a little boy. He now smiles and coos as his personality has surfaced. I know he still needs me, but this maturity has made me much more comfortable with the idea of leaving him. I feel so blessed that God gave me this additional time with my children and I am so grateful for this new job opportunity. I love that I am able to provide for my boys and give them the life that my parents gave me.

I would also like to mention how this time of unknown really showed us how much we are loved. My parents have always been there for us, but without hesitation they were there with food and cash to help us. My mom even mentioned how she was prepared for us to move in with them. Oh how crazy that would have been. Four adults, Two children, three dogs and two cats. My goodness! Luckily we were never faced with that dilemma. However, it means the world to me that even when I am grown with a family of my own, I can always go "home" into loving arms. In addition to my parents, our friends also sent prayers our way and offered support. We have really learned that with friends and family in our lives we could never go poor... never.