Another Happy Thanksgiving thread, and a short story of thanks. (A little long)
Felt compelled to respond; to bid all my fellow shavers a great thanksgiving, and to give thanks myself; and to ask your permission to share a short history.
My family is currently in transition, in a good but challenging way. Several years ago, my wife and I went through some very difficult times involving our church, with which we were heavily involved. (Perhaps in retrospect, too heavily). It has been kind of a dark few years since then. (Questioning our motives, our ability to serve, etc)
Earlier this year, many of my kids and grandkids, along with who I would consider my best friend on the planet, have migrated from Southern Illinois, to Dallas, Tx, making a what has (for us) become a lonely town even more so. My wife and I began discussing the possibility of doing likewise a couple of months ago for obvious reasons.
She flew down at the behest of a couple of eye doctors in the area and interviewed early Sept. Was offered a position and because we rely on both incomes, could not take it immediately, because I wasn't sure I could make the jump.
I put in for a transfer with the company I have been with for 25 years this year. Interviewed for one position which was really too far away from my wife's job; another candidate was selected. I posted for another position around Nov 3rd which was much nearer her job offer (which still stands even though she could not report when asked, a huge blessing). Fast forward two weeks, I am now living in Plano, TX (a big change from a small town in IL of 13K.) The position carries twice the responsibility and twice the sales volume, and frankly I'm feeling that weight on my shoulders pretty heavy at the moment. I am now managing a strange crew in a strange place with many more people around me. Unsettling to say the least. For me anyway.
Two years ago, I deleted my Facebook acct because frankly I just didn't feel like sharing anything with anyone.
Wednesday night, I drove from Plano to south Dallas (not a great travelling strategy-live and learn). After having spent two hours to drive 25 miles down route 75, I had dinner with my best bud, whom I had not seen since July. After that, I went to my eldest sons apartment, where I and my two boys and their wives shared memories of Thanksgivings past with our blended family and we laughed quite literally until we cried.
Today, I gathered with all three sons, their wives and my 4 grand kids, and we shared a Thanksgiving meal.
Even though we had to Facetime with my wife, daughter, and youngest son who are still back in Illinois selling the house, and even though I'm more than a bit concerned about my ability to pull this new assignment off, tonight felt like a huge victory, and I needed to say so in writing.
So, regards to my fellow shavers from a hotel room at the north end of the DFW metroplex. I sincerely hope for similar victories for you all. Wish me wisdom,
Bull
