What now?

[The Chief]

Good luck my friend I was almost in your shoes. When I retired from the Nave back in 1993 I was suppose to step right into a job I lined up. Well they went into a hiring freeze and I thought oh by this is it but in Aug, 1994 they picked me up and I haven't stooped yet. I do know what its like to have the rug pulled out from under your feet. But hang in there something will come up.

[Doe Master]

Hang in there Ray . Maybe they will see how much of an asset you were and reconsider .

[VixChix]

Oh man, Ray... that's rotten!

I'm hoping and praying some unexpected good comes of this. I believe our God loves to surprise us with good things in the midst of rough times.

[Undertaker]

Good luck Ray.

[jackleg]

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

God bless Ray, you'll make it through.

Joey

[philman]

I know where your at my friend. Been laid off since march 2009. Hang in there bud it will all fall in to place.

[saxman]

I'm sorry that happened to you Ray.
I can relate.
You are in my thoughts and prayers my friend

[raydaughety]

We're doing the best that we can. I appreciate all the prayers. I'll be putting my Exomag and all of the stuff that goes with it in the classified setion soon as well as a lot of firearms.

[taureau noir]

Ray , I don't write often but I see a friend that is questionning the reason of all those misfortunes.
I had an heart transplant in Jan.2000 at the age of 53 , 3years later an heart arrest and 29 days in intensive care and 4 years ago I suffer an ACV.I pass to all the thrivials that Satan can send us.In these moments I recall Job that sufferred all thoses attacks from
Satan and hold forth and God gave him all that he lost and even a lot more ,and he became richer than in the past.God is testing your faith,as he is still doing for me .
Taureau noir

[raydaughety]

Ray , I don't write often but I see a friend that is questionning the reason of all those misfortunes.
I had an heart transplant in Jan.2000 at the age of 53 , 3years later an heart arrest and 29 days in intensive care and 4 years ago I suffer an ACV.I pass to all the thrivials that Satan can send us.In these moments I recall Job that sufferred all thoses attacks from
Satan and hold forth and God gave him all that he lost and even a lot more ,and he became richer than in the past.God is testing your faith,as he is still doing for me .
Taureau noir

I understand what you are saying and I can am keeping close to my faith but it's the kids and the promises that I made to them, It just doesn't seem fair but then again life isn't fair is it? I really appreciate you all praying for us.

[DesertRat]

Ray, I was asked during a tough time if I wanted "the patt on the back or the kick in the butt speech"!

Well, you have received several patt's and no kick so here it comes

You mentioned your son will fall into an internet lifestyle because of this. Well, there is one person who can prevent that. YOU! I don't think for a minute that all you have in common with your son is hunting. Trust me, I get it with the hunting thing. My most memorable times growing up is hunting with family. I honestly get that. Either you find a cheap means of hunting or, for a short period of time, you find other ways to bond with your son. Losing your job is a kick in the nads! But, think of the positive side and enjoy the hidden gift within. You now have no time limitions on father/son time. Simple trips to a river for fish in the summer don't cost anything. Imagine spending a day by the water with your son while all the other dads (minus 10% that are also unemployed) are working their butts off while you guys are sharing some laughs.

Remember, they (your family) are feeling this kick in the nads also. When you suffer, they suffer. It sucks in so many ways but don't let this setback consume you and allow your son to become an internet potatoe. Take up target shooting in the yard. Go fishing! Try photographing nature! Anything! This is not a life sentence!

Remember, how you deal with this will have a direct influence on how your son will deal with things such as this in the future. I am not telling you not to be upset. Don't get me wrong. I have had a major career upset recently and I have gone through everything from frustration,to fear, to anger to helplessness! It's ok to scream into a pillow every now and then! You are not alone in this unemployment thing! You however are the only one that can make the outcome of this a positive experience for your family and show them that there is more to dad/husband than just a Paycheck!

Enough of a kick?

[raydaughety]

Yea, they'll do. My wife brought it to my attention that we will not have to pay for summer child care which is about the difference in pay vs unemployment benefits. I'll be 4 next month and have never been unemployed in my life so it's a very strange and unsettling feeling but I'm going to do just what you said. I'm going to spend the summer with the kids and help Tina with the house. Our state has a program where I can take online classes while I'm unemployed and I'm going to apply next week. Thanks for the Kick, I'm sure that I needed it .

[DesertRat]

It was simple friendly kick to help you try to see the good in this. Losing your job is a terrible thing, but as in most situations, there is usually some silver lining. Looks like you have seen some of it already.

Good luck Ray! Enjoy the time with the kids. I suspect it won;t be long before you are wondering how they grew up so fast.

[raydaughety]

I took Tyler to our favorite fishing hole today and while the fishing was kinda slow, we had a blast. I watched him start fishing in that creek when he was a babby and next month he will be a teenager. Now it's Brianna's turned to get spoiled by a father's love. I want to thank you all for your prayers and giving me the confindence that we will get thru this mess.

[longshot44]

thanks for the updates Ray ..... I wish I could have taken my guy fishing today.



Still praying.