Melanie wrote: Julie offered to help as well. We are okay for now and need the blessings of paying for Braden's mission. If Howard doesn't find work in the near future, we might need to have help with the mission payments. Julie and Jim offered to help as well. So did AnnMarie and Brandon.
Thanks Mom. My heart hurts, my head hurts, my stomach hurts...I am so scared.
Mel
Myrna wrote: If you remember, Dad and I faced a bad situation many years ago. I think it was when Benjamin (or was it Braden) was born. Dr. Wright didn't want Dad to be principal any more and, instead, wanted him to be a high school counselor and the district director of risk management with the charge of bringing the district into ADA compliance. Dad was really qualified for those jobs. I cried all the way home from Nebraska. Actually, looking back, it may have been for the best. Dad loved the jobs and there was not the constant pressure. Our income did not suffer. The next principal proved what an excellent one Dad was. Dad brought the district into compliance with the new requirements for the disabled. He also started some innovative career counseling programs that have benefitted district students. We are praying that this will also be a "closed door--open window" in your lives. Howard is so brilliant and so talented and knows so many things that I am sure he will find something even better. I've wondered for years why he wasn't a teacher. I know, the pay is not as good, but he would be so great at a college. He could even be a professional photographer. I think that your choices are limitless. In addition, you, yourself, are bright and young. You can do many things. You can go back to your job, that you loved, working with old people (like me).
I still remember what a comfort you were to me then. You were not only my loving daughter but my good friend when I badly needed one. Thanks for all you are to me.
I love you, Dad loves you, your siblings love you and, most importantly, Heavenly Father loves you and so does your Savior. We are all in your corner. I know that the members of your ward are grateful for you and love you as well. You have made them part of your family and they will be good to you now.
Jim said the best thing that ever happened to him was the year that his father didn't have a job. He grew up and faced reality. Perhaps that will be so in the lives of your children. Although, I am certain, Howard will not be without work for that long. He was looking for a job when he found this one. I hope this doesn't sound like a long note of platitudes. I really believe what I am writing.
Just remember, when it comes to the mission, we ALL need the blessings that come to our family from Braden's service.
Go take a couple of aspirin, pray and then just stand back and watch the miracles.
