Back in 2001, J and I were new parents, flipping through a magazine while waiting for Little Miss C to be seen by Urgent Care nurses for a suspected ear infection. We sat, captivated by photos of Banff, Montana and vowed to visit someday. Then we poured over page after page of cake recipes, our mouthes moist with longing. When Little Miss C was finally admitted, she was given a clean bill of health. Her parents, on the other hand, were diagnosed as being young, paranoid and sleep deprived {!!}. We salved our wounded dignity by swiping the magazine, which we then used that very evening to make our first all-from-scratch German Chocolate Cake. It was unbelievably ugly. But it tasted amazing. To this day, when J and I talk about that night, we don't mention the crying baby, or the high Doctor bills, or the stress of being financially strained, or the frustration of how we were treated.
We talk about the cake.
I think life is often that way. It can all go wrong. It can look ugly on the outside. But what we remember is the sweetness. The good that came of it.
J was laid off yesterday. I've been thinking of all the different directions our life could go from this point. The various changes and hardships we might face. I can't help but feel comforted. No matter what happens, I want to concentrate on the sweetness. On the good that comes of this.
Today is J's birthday. He's able to spend the entire day at home with us.
Eating cake. :)
15 comments:
This post seriously made my day. Way to look at the bright side and realize that things will be okay. Such a great reminder of the 'important' things in life. :)
You are an inspiration. Thank you for your words.
I needed them too, and much luck to your family. I know you will do great things.
Wow...GREAT post. Best of luck! I was laid off in November and it has worked out just fine, better than I would have thought. Now if I can just get a job, things would be perfect. :)
Sorry to hear about J's job loss. What an inspiring post! And think of how handy that food storage will be now. :) Take care.
Thanks for sharing this story; it's powerful. Happy birthday to J...it's my birthday, too!
I loved your perspective in this post. I hope all goes well on the job front for you guys!
Wow, what a touching post. Thanks for sharing and I hope all the best for your family. You are amazing!
Oh look! My computer let me open your page!
I'm sorry about J's job. With his talent it seems he should have people knocking down your door to be the first to get him now that he's available. I wish you the best with that. And enjoy your cake together!
And thank you so much for reminding me about German chocolate cake! I've been craving it so badly that I made it for my birthday last year even though I had to substitute walnuts because they don't have pecans and I HATE walnuts. The cake was so delicious, except for the walnuts, and I had to scrape off the topping. SAD! But now I've found pecans here so I definitely need to give it another shot! Mmmmmm.
I'm sorry to hear of J's layoff. We have dealt with unemployment before, and it can been quite the rollercoaster struggle. I'm glad you enjoyed your cake...it looks oh so delicious.
Lisa- I hate walnuts, too! Cake without icing IS sad. Definitely give it another go.
MS--
Wow...so sorry. One of my best friends husband was also laid off yesterday. These crazy times are upon us and this post is written with just the right attitude and fortitude needed to get through it all. Good luck.
this too shall pass.
*except the sweet!
Hoping the best for J and you with the recent job loss. My Hubby's lost his job twice, and now look back at the time we were able to spend together as a family as a huge blessing.
You are sweetness!
Anyone as talented as your husband (and I'm speaking as an editor/animator) is sure to be employed again before long. I was laid off from my "secure" job of 11 years the year after my daughter was born, and although it wasn't quite the "one door opens as another closes" cliche and the process of giving birth to something new in my life wasn't instant, it's a journey I look back on with absolute gratitude.
I pray blessings will come to J and your family and that the path will reveal itself to you.
And as others have said, your optimism and faith are inspiring and are what will lead the way.
Best of luck.
We also hope the best for you all! It sounds like moving is out of the question, as we hope so too! I understand about having husbands at home. Joseph's schedule is such that he is either gone for two days or home for half a day which makes it hard to plan anything! Or get things done when he does come home in the middle of the day while I'm trying to do naps and clean, etc...Good luck!
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