V: The Important Things in Life: Update & New Development***

 

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***We learned this morning since I wrote this post last night that my daughter has a blood clot in her arm. Please pray for it to resolve safely.

For those of you who drop in here from time to time, you may know that my oldest daughter has been ill for some time.  She suffers from serious chronic health problems and recently discovered she is pregnant.  YES, it was a surprise!!!  Because of her health issues, it was not the plan, and she is in the hospital again—this time  because of a serious blood infection she contracted from her IV port.  I have left my job for the time being to care for her children.  All of your prayers are appreciated very much! 


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I have some important decisions to make in the near future.  I’ve felt the need to keep working for financial security (like being able to have  health insurance and not  be a financial burden to my children in my retirement years)—Hubby is also reluctant for me to give it up.  If I leave my job (of which there are scarce few in these parts –will I regret it later?

 

Bag Lady Fear

Yes, don’t miss the caption at the top of the cartoon:  “There’s a little bit of the bag lady fear in all of us!”  “C” and I have often joked about this very thing!  Still, I have to confess:  My lack of faith disturbs me.

  I love  helping take care of my grandchildren; shopping for groceries, driving kids around, etc., but it’s hard after I’ve put in a full days work.  My job involves working with disabled teenagers  in a school district which is struggling financially, has been cutting staff left and right.  Truth be told, I’m struggling also with the stress and pressure that has increased in my job.  My job is much more difficult than a few years ago! Even if it were not for the situation with my daughter’s health, I would find it difficult. Also, my daughter’s health problems are chronic—they are not going away.  There’s just a lot to consider, but  I keep thinking—what will matter most years from now?

So, I’m throwing a line out there to the blogging neighborhood.  Any ideas out there?  I’d love to hear and again, I’m so very grateful for all your thoughts and prayers!

V

Comments

mamahasspoken said…
It is a personal decision that only you can make. All I can do is tell you my own story. My mother passed away about 15 years ago. At that time I was a working mother of four young boys. My mother was dying of cancer, an aunt came to take care of her due to I couldn't leave my job for the same reasons you mention about yourself. To this day I regret that I wasn't in the position that would have allowed me to be there with her more. The rational side of me says I did what needed to be done to keep my own family intact and going. But the sentimental side still wishes I could have been there more.
Hence, whatever you decide to do, there will always be that internal struggle.
Good luck with your decision!
November 11, 2011 at 6:30 AM
Hilary said…
Well, from my perspective, you must do what your heart tells you is important, not what anyone else thinks you should do. 7 years ago, I left my job of 20 years, in a maximum security prison. I didn't know how I would do it, I only knew that life was too short to keep on doing it. It was scary at first, and I just put one foot in front of the other, and waited for the universe to speak to me. It didn't take long.....Within the year, I bought the house that was to become Crazy as a Loom, and my entire life changed. I never looked back.
The thing we struggle the most with, is how to just be ourselves, and not fear the consequences.
November 11, 2011 at 6:59 AM
Vee said…
I can certainly join with you in prayer for the Lord's direction. You have so very much on your plate right now. Comfort and peace to you all in this time. Praying for your daughter as well.
November 11, 2011 at 7:22 AM
Vivianne said…
It is, of course, only a decision you can make. I was lucky enough to have had a job & staff which were very flexible, supportive and forgiving when I was taking lots of time off for my dying mother. I have never regretted it. I think you know in your heart what matters the most, which will give you the strength & faith to make the decision that's right for you. xxx
November 11, 2011 at 7:23 AM
Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said…
Boy these are not easy questions for my first time here!

I think you answered this yourself....what will matter most later?
I look back over my 55 years and I never regret decisions I have made,no matter the outcome, only the ones I didn't make. Does that make sense?

I wish you much love and health for your daughter. Glad I found you guys!
November 11, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Kathy's Klothesline said…
So sorry to hear about your daughter's health issues and will remember her in my prayers. Hard decisions in your future, but from the tone of your post, I am thinking you have already made that decision in your heart.
November 11, 2011 at 8:01 AM
TexWisGirl said…
i don't have children or grandchildren. but i can imagine the angst you and your family are going through at this time. God bless your daughter. God has blessed her kids with you to help. i think you answered your own question in your post - about your job becoming increasingly difficult and stressful. i know your heart is telling you to focus your attention with your family... God bless you...
November 11, 2011 at 8:39 AM
Gail Dixon said…
Oh, dear, what a dilemma. I am about to take a leap of faith myself to start my own business, doing what I have done for 23 years, only for someone else. That someone was not too kind when I had to take a very short leave of absence to deal with a family emergency last week. In my book family comes first, so if I have to make sacrifices to be my best for them, then I am prepared to do that. Don't get me wrong, I'm scared to death, but I'm praying God will give me the strength to do what I know in my heart of hearts I need to do. I pray the same for you. Praying for your daughter and her precious unborn child. Peace and blessings to you. I do hope you will report back with an update soon.
November 11, 2011 at 2:43 PM
Betsy Banks Adams said…
Hey you two, Thanks for visiting my blog. Come back anytime. Glad you all have each other. Sounds like life has handed you all some hard knocks.

I truly can't give you advice --but I do know that if it were me, I'd continue working. Our adult children and grands have their own lives ---and I personally wanted a really good retirement time --which I am having... BUT--each to his or her own... That is just my personal choice...

Hugs,
Betsy
November 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM
HappyK said…
I will certainly pray for you and your daughter. I will pray that things also become clear to you and that you make the best decision for all concerned.
November 11, 2011 at 7:33 PM
Vickie said…
V, you are the only one who knows your situation. But I will be lifting you up in prayer as you make your decision. Your choices are both important, but I know your heart is torn. We're not as young as we used to be, either. Can you keep up this pace? You may feel like you can't do justice to either one trying to do both. I know you will find your way, V.
November 11, 2011 at 7:46 PM
Anonymous said…
as others have said it is a very individual decision since everyone's circumstances. so while i tend to think i would continue to work, i really don't know what i would do if i were cuz i'm not. however, as someone else mentioned i have found it helpful for me to not think just about the "hard" logcial pro's/con's of a decision but to also look at from the angle of "regret minimization". which choice if it is wrong will lead to the most regrets? and which decision can you really, truely never redo in one form or another. time after all is one of the few things in life that can not be replaced. best of luck to you in your struggle w/ this decision. and i will certainly be keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prays. i wish the best - whatever that may be - for you, your daughter and your families.
November 11, 2011 at 9:02 PM
kath001 said…
Praying for you in your decision making and for your daughter's recovery...and sending a big hug.
November 11, 2011 at 9:10 PM
Anonymous said…
Dee from Tennessee

Haven't had time to read the comments....just saw your request on fb asking for prayers, and I just wanted you to know I am praying for you and your daughter and esp.the blood clot. (Didn't want to post on fb cause I've got a stalker...LOL...more like a nosy Nellie and it's NONE of her business as to whom I chat with , comment on, read an article, etc....aren't I being the petty one??!? Seriously, will be praying. As far as your future plans, I am in zero position to advise - I had to retire before I wanted to and have NOT enjoyed retirement due to health reasons AND due to my own personal lack of faith regarding the bag lady fear. One of my many prayer requests has been: "Lord, increase my faith."
Praying for your daughter!
November 11, 2011 at 11:36 PM
Sandra said…
V - I truly believe that if you ask God to guide you and then do what you feel is God-pleasing, he will take care of the rest. From your post, I think you know what you need/want to do, but just need some of us to encourage you. So, consider yourself encouraged. :)

I am praying that God will give you peace with whatever decision you make regarding your job and also praying for both of your daughters.
November 12, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Debi said…
Do you have family leave time at your job? I know larger corporations have that in place. That is an option for the short term. Companies that give us good benefits is hard to give up sometimes, but when it comes to the needs of our children, I feel the same as you. I think you will know when it's time to make a life change. Your heart will really speak to you at that time.
November 12, 2011 at 4:49 PM
Frank's Corner said…
I think it is wise to make decisions based in love not fear. Then you can feel at peace no matter what the outcome may be. Courage.
November 13, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Karen thisoldhouse2.com said…
What Hilary said, perfectly.

I say, leave the job that is already more stressful than you are comfortable with. Life is too short - things will sort themselves out..

Prayers from Connecticut for your daughter's recovery -
November 14, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Vickie said…
V, how are things going? Just wanted to check back on you and let you know I'm thinking about you and your tough decision you are trying to make... Vickie
November 14, 2011 at 3:09 PM
Hilary said…
I hope you find the decision that is right for you. Sending best thoughts you and your daughter's way.
November 19, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Eggs In My Pocket said…
First of all , just know that my prayers are with you and your daughter. It is such a hard decision to make, just give it time, prayer, and thought.........you will soon know which way to go. Whatever you decide, I pray for God's hand and favor on you through it all. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. blessings,Kathleen
November 22, 2011 at 2:38 PM
Mama said…
Thank you for this post. I'm in much the same position you're in, trying to decide whether to retire now and do something else to supplement, or whether to stay in teaching for a few more years. The more I wrestle with it, the more I realize it's really a faith issue in my case. I agree with Sandra's point that, regardless of which way I go, He will be faithful to His promises in my life.
December 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM
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