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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FAMILY (01/21/16)
I Corinthians 13:13 – There are three things that will endure – faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.

In my wildest dreams I never imagined what was waiting for me at work one cool Spring morning six years ago. I had felt the deafening silence among my co-workers simmering in the background for quite some time but when the day finally arrived I was still caught off guard. It came to a head when I returned from vacation. While I was gone my co-workers discovered my secret – I had blown the whistle on two of them for stealing from the company. I had tried to tell my supervisor several times but he wouldn’t listen and I finally talked to someone in corporate office. She told me my job was protected and my secret safe. That proved to be a lie. I lost my job and was devastated.

I moved to Oregon to be near my sister Jan and find work. It was hard leaving my daughters and grandsons behind but I rationalized we wouldn’t be that far from each other. I truly believed this was the right decision. I had dreams of setting up a small craft booth in the local Mall. Jan and I worked hard on that dream. The venture was successful but eventually came to an end. After nine months and no success in finding a job I was desperate. I was almost broken not just financially but physically and emotionally.

My sister April told me the company where she worked was hiring and I had the skills needed. She also offered me a room in her home to stay. I felt overwhelmed at the thought of moving again and April graciously took the train from California to Oregon to help me. It was wonderful knowing I wouldn’t have to make the move alone. Once April arrived we packed the truck with the help of other family members. We were also on a tight schedule due to a snow storm ready to strike at any time. It was incredible to see how quickly everything fell into place. It wasn’t long before we were having fun on the road to California.

The sunshine in California felt glorious and I felt settled. The day finally arrived for my job interview and I was ready. Unfortunately, I had an emotional meltdown and failed my interview. I finally realized what a fragile state I was in and sought medical help. My doctor told me I was disabled and unable to work. I loved staying with April but really wanted to go home. I had been away from my daughters and grandsons for over two and a half years and I needed to be home.

My sister Jan drove to California pulling a trailer to pick me up and help me get back home to Washington. I didn’t want to go through another move but wanted to be home more. The three of us along with a long lost friend helped load my belongings from storage onto the trailer and before long we were headed North. Ironically, my long lost friend decided to join in our adventure and followed behind Jan and I so he could help unload when we arrived at Jan’s home.

A few weeks later Jan and my brother-in-law drove me back home. I was beyond excited. My daughter opened her home for me to stay while I began putting the pieces of my life’s puzzle back together again. I was enjoying spending time with my daughter and grandsons. My youngest daughter and her fiancée also came for a visit and I was thrilled. I had a challenging road ahead of me but I was finally home.

Losing my job pushed me over the edge but ultimately God had other plans. He blessed me with an amazing family that picked me up when I couldn’t stand. Their unconditional love and support was incedible. I have never felt so blessed.

It also turned out God had other plans for my long lost friend as well. Mark and I worked as police officers together over 30 years ago and had lost touch with each other except an occasional hello through a mutual friend. Our friendship ultimately developed into a romantic relationship and we were married two years ago. As challenging as losing my job was it was also God’s way of bringing Mark and I together.
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This article has been read 528 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
01/29/16
Oh my heart was so happy at the conclusion of your story.

God has plans for all of us, sometimes we need to walk through the fire to get to the joy.

God bless~
Jennifer Woodley 
01/30/16
What a roller coaster ride that story was - full of various emotions! Red ink comment - you probably don't need to capitalize words such as 'north', 'mall' and 'spring' as they are used as common nouns in your story. Otherwise, well written.
Judy Sauer 
02/03/16
You portrayed the plight of many who find themselves out of a job, needing to move for work, and continue moving. You captured this very well.

You left the best, uplifting part for last. Did not see it coming but you turned sorrow to joy. Nice work.
M. C. Syben 
02/04/16
Wow. I needed to read a story with twists and turns but a happy ending.

Congrats on your win!
Bonnie Bowden 
02/04/16
Congratulations, Laine, on your 2nd place win in the Intermediate category. Tears came to my eyes when I read about how much you endured, but found joy in the end.

You don't have to capitalize general nouns like spring or directions. Only capitalize specific nouns. For example, don't capitalize the word cereal, but capitalize Cheerios.