Some blessings are harder to see than others, and for The Murray's, this week has been a true test of faith and family. Target has some huge layoffs on Tuesday this week, and unfortunately Shanon was let go from the job she loved and the place she went to for the past 13 years. She came home that afternoon a little earlier than normal... I just remember looking at her as she walked in the house, while I was helping Emma in the bathroom. She was calm and quiet, and greeted the kids with a smile and a long warm embrace. Without even asking, I knew. I just knew all day, when I hadn't heard from her all afternoon hearing that she was safe, I knew she wasn't. I kept listening for the garage door to open early, looking out the kitchen window to see her pull in the driveway... and when she came in, it just made my nervous stomachache worse and my heart hurt. I didn't know what to say, or how to say it... but I gave a hug and just tried to get through the next hour without thinking of only myself (Will I still have a job? How long will you need a nanny? What am I going to do if I lose my job because of this? What are we going to do...). I tried so hard to be supportive and empathetic of her, knowing that my whole life was just a moment away from being turned upside down as well. It was hard.
We got the kids outside to play, thankfully it was a beautiful day out! Shanon started chipping the ice away at the end of the driveway and began sweeping sand... sweeping, and sweeping and sweeping sand. The kids helped, I helped and we all just chopped ice and swept sand while gathering thoughts and composing our emotions. When Ollie came home, I left knowing that I still had a job on the next day and the reassurance that they weren't going to leave my stranded with no job in the next few days. I knew in my heart that they would do everything in their power to make this an easy transition for me, if that's what it came down to, but you just never know how people will react in a hard situation like this.
Today, Shanon and Ollie had a funeral to attend in the morning and when they came home during nap time and sat down on the couch with me, I knew by the look on their faces that they were about to tell me exactly what I didn't want to hear "Well, Erin... as you know, there has been a lot going on here, and I am sure you're aware of the changes in our family with Shanon losing her job, and we have taken some time to think about what the next best step is for our family. With a lot of thought and thinking into our future of what's best for our family, we think Shanon staying home will make the most sense for us..."
They went on to tell me that they were going to keep me on their payroll and and have me here until April 11th, for a transition period for Shanon and for me to be employed while searching for a new job. I sat in the corner of the couch, hugging a pillow, fighting back tears and containing all of my worried thoughts. I agreed, it was the best decision for their family... and it truly is! I am so happy for her, I would give anything to be able to live off of one income and stay at home with Avery - anything!
It was Shanon's birthday, so we had already planned to stay for dinner to help her celebrate. So, that's exactly what we did! Burgers on the grill and drinks in hand, Shanon and I clinked glasses to both loosing our jobs and for new beginnings.
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