Candy Sticks for the Lemons

This week I received some candy sticks to make the lemons a bit more palatable. The candy sticks were in the form of messages of love and support from those who knew about the lemons.

A week and a half ago I received the unwelcome news that my job comes to an end on June 30. My position is to be combined with another; she gets to stay and I get to leave. This sad news was complicated by my close friendship with the lucky lady. Neither of us would have wanted this to happen; neither would want to be let go and neither would want to stay at the cost of the other. Some things are not our choice.

I believed I shouldn't go public with my news until the school community knew of it, and that happened yesterday afternoon. I had shared with my family, of course, and with some close friends and colleagues. Now that the school community knows, it seems okay to share it more widely.

We don't know yet what this will mean for us. At the very least, it will mean not laughing every day at a job that I have come to love; not doing informal pastoral care at the work place; no longer being in a wonderful Quaker environment or at a school where milestone celebrations come around each year. It will mean no more visits from the tiny people and no more rewarding adults for turning things in by giving them stickers (you'd be amazed how many grown-ups are sticker-deprived).

It will certainly mean financial loss, and we have a meeting in the coming week to learn how much devastation that will cause. I may have to seek another full-time position, I may need to find a part-time job, I may look into the world of temping, or [perhaps] I may be able to be a retired person with all kinds of opportunities.

I haven't found the lemonade recipe yet, and that is understandable. But yesterday, after the announcement of my loss -- and I am far from the only one -- my Facebook page began to blossom with messages of love and encouragement, and it seemed as though I had some received some candy sticks to help me suck up that lemon juice.


Comments

Brenda said…
oh Nancy, that really sucks. There's no good way to lose your job and this sounds like one of the worst ways. we've recently gone through a "right-sizing" at my husband's office and although he's safe for now, the fall-out continues. I'm sending warm thoughts your way.
Michelle said…
It also means a loss of grace, wit, humor, wisdom and friendship in our little community.
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
If anyone can turn the bitter into sweet that is you. You may not know this, if not, it is time you did: you have helped me over more than a few rough patches just by being YOU! By "listening" and responding to an e-mail you have communicated positive energy and encouragement, your support and happy friendship has sustained me when I've been confused, perplexed or just plain "down". I can't thank you enough... but I can let you know what a difference you have made in my life. I am sending you real love and virtual hugs; this is tough news that you've been given, but you are strong and resilient. I truly believe that (although this sounds trite) God closes no door without opening a window; and you, my friend, will pierce that opening and land on the other side like a warm and welcome beam of sunshine! I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever.
Patty Nordahl said…
We have gone through the downsizing and reorganizing also. It's painful and scary but the old saying about God closing a door but opening a window. I wish for you some peace of spirit and comfort.
Margaret said…
What a beautiful post at a difficult time. Just goes to show what a classy lady you are. from one of the folks who will miss you!
Quiltdivajulie said…
I love the way you've used the lemons to share this turn of events in your life. I have every confidence that you will blooom far beyond where you are and have been -- it is so hard in the moment, but when we are so very comfortable, we sometimes miss the subtle(or not) openings that "could have been."

Sending hugs and blessings as you travel this awkward road.
LizA. said…
I totally understand where you are. We were there 3 years ago this month. And, since I haven't really worked since my Lupus diagnosis we truly felt we were standing on a cliff. But, as Mrs. G. said, when God closes one door, he opens another. We went through a couple really tough years in a job from he** but here we are, preparing to make a life changing move, building a new home and actually starting to look forward to a new adventure. It's the change that scares the heck out of people. That and the unknown. But faith and positive thinking will get you through this and those I know you have in abundance.
Anya said…
I'm sending you some virtual candy sticks in the form of virtual hugs. At some point, you will probably look at this event as an opportunity and I'm sure your lemonade will be quite sweet and not bitter at all! (That's terribly written, but I think you get my drift.)
goodluck with the future.......what ever it may hold.......
Janet O. said…
Nancy, I was beginning to wonder what was causing the quiet on your end of things. Now I can see why you were silent. Such news as this just takes the wind right out of your sails, doesn't it? What a heavy weight it places on the heart and soul. I love your perspective on the candy sticks and I can understand that it will take time to create lemonade out of all this. Mrs. G. is on the money (as usual), and I know it isn't anything you haven't already heard (and told others). Know that many concerned friends have you in their prayers, including me. Looking forward to seeing where your new adventure in life takes you!
Anonymous said…
Sorry to hear of your news, especially losing a job you love. Wishing you the best of things to come. Thanks for sharing.
cindy
Gretchen said…
So sorry to hear about your situation, especially since it is a job you loved so much. I don't know the perfect words to say but just know that I believe everything always turns out in the end. Hold fast, dear friend.
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry about the job loss. I've been checking your blog and waiting to hear what had happened, but reading how you used the term "making lemonade", let me know you were trying to find something good out of a bad situation. I, also, believe you will find a silver lining in this, maybe not right away, but in time. Keep your hopes up - i'll be thinking of you. Sue
Oh Nancy, I am sorry to hear this news. Losing a beloved job is one of life's harder transitions; it really can shake our foundations. I send hugs and hope that all will shake out for the best.
Beth said…
I only "know" you from your blog, but I have so enjoyed your wit and wisdom. I am thinking that this was a very difficult decision for the school. I also believe that this is indicitive of opportunity that awaits.
Yuki said…
Just think you'll have more time to quilt. I know this type of thing can be tough. I went through this a year and a half ago. The one thing certain about life is change. Stay positive. I'm sending you positive vibes.

ttfn :) Yuki
Anonymous said…
Oh, Nancy, losing a job is such a hard thing, but I know you'll be able to find the solution that's right for you.
hoping the path you should take becomes clear as you seek alternatives...
Denise in PA said…
Oh, Nancy, I am so sorry. I could tell from your writing how much joy your job brought you. But, I know the lemons will be made into lemonade and you will find the thing that will bring you just as much joy. I'm adding my own candy sticks, hugs and prayers for just that for you.
Barbara Anne said…
Ah, my friend, you have my sympathy at the unwelcome news and bummer of a change that has befallen you. Your gifts and talents are many and they will go with you to your next opportunity for ministry.

Remember, ministry is where your gifts and abilities meet the world's needs.

May what lies ahead delight you right down to your soul in ways you cannot yet imagine.

I'm late posting because FIL died Thursday morning and there have been things to do.

Big hugs!
Nann said…
Nancy, I'm sorry! We always want to leave jobs on our terms (and positive ones at that), but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. I hope that this is just the end of a chapter and not the end of a volume....and that the next chapter is just a short page away!

Jindi's Cottage said…
Sorry you've been handed such a big bag of lemons...hope when you find the lemonade recipe it is for a really big jug of the sweetest most delicious lemonade ever and that you get to enjoy every last drop...in the meantime, cyber hugs to help get you through "the search"...
OT Quilter said…
I'm so sorry to read this news. It's hard enough to leave a job you live because you want to; leaving involuntarily is really tough. My mother always said, "When your back is against the wall, a door will open behind you." Be patient. The door will open and you will walk into something good.
quiltmom anna said…
Nancy, I am sorry to read about the loss of a job that meant so much to you. As always, you seem to find the courage to face the new challenges even though they might be unknown and different than what you may have planned.
I know that you will continue to support the people around you with a loving caring hand. I am also sure that your colleagues and school community will miss your presence and caring in the years to come.
May you know that you are a valued and treasured lady by those who come to know you from near and far. May those friendships provide you a caring shelter and comfort on your more difficult days.
with good wishes and warm thoughts,
Anna
suz said…
Really, really sorry to hear about this. You obviously loved this job. I'm sure a window will open to something you love!
Judi said…
So sorry to read your news, Nancy. Losing a job you love with be tough, but it will give you the opportunity for a re-evaluation (and you are so good at those!) and the push to strike out in a different direction.

I wish you good luck and great joy in those new beginnings!
Tanya said…
You are such a wise person to be able to see and WISH to make lemonade from lemons. I know that it is always a blow to me when a job goes haywire or I don't get a say in a matter. I go into a funk and a worry spin too. Your talents are to be used somewhere else and I'm sure you will figure out where and be a blessing in the new relationships.