The Waiting Game

My husband and I are in a waiting game - waiting to hear about a job he had interviewed. My children are also waiting, hoping, praying. I sometimes wonder effect this past year since my husband was laid-off, has had on them. For me it has been an emotional roller coaster, most of which I have managed to keep inside. When they ask how they can help, my answer is to do good in school, behave at home and pray. They have accomplished that for the most part.

I can not say anything good about this layoff. Some might conclude it has made them stronger, taught them that life is not always fair and there is power in prayer. To a certain degree, that might be true. However, it has taken a piece of their childhood away. That aspect of it in simple terms - hurts me deeply.

While I never wanted to spoil my children with gifts and lavish trips, I did not want to tell them that the new pair of shoes would have to wait for the check expected to arrive in a week. I never wanted to give them more pasta than meat to fill their bellies. I never wanted to put off a car repair.

So, while the they are learning some of life bitter lessons - it comes at a cost, one I can never repay.

Today, when my daughters left for school, Charlotte, 9, said she was going to have a hard time concentrating today because she will be thinking about daddy getting that job. It is another way it is robbing my child - her education.

Our situation is not uncommon these days. It makes me wonder how many children are like Charlotte, not able to think about school because of their parents' unemployment. My husband and I do a pretty good job of keeping our heads up. My work is something we openly thank God for every night when saying our prayers as a family. But this may not be the case for a lot of families. It maybe that parents have lost faith, lost their homes and worst - their dignity. That is something no child should have to experience because it will only repeat itself.