Good News, Bad News

First, the good news. I'm back from a week's vacation at Emerald Isle, NC, where I got plenty of surf, sun, and sand in my shoes. For the first time in about 30 years, I took a dip in the ocean, thanks to a special beach-friendly wheelchair—essentially a chaise lounge on big, oversized balloon tires. It brought back memories of my boyhood where I grew up just over the hill from South Carolina's beaches and was a good bit more mobile and energetic than I am now. All my siblings and their associated spouses, children, and dogs were also in attendance. "A good time was had by all," as the saying goes.

Now the bad news. The Friday before I left for vacation, my boss called me in to say the library was letting me go. I had been unhappy in the position for some time, and my performance had dwindled to a level that was unacceptable. It was my fault and no one else's. I had several opportunities to improve the situation, but I didn't. I have to take responsibility for that. I hope it will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I'll take some time to reflect on mistakes I've made and lessons I've learned from this experience. My family has promised to do whatever they can to help me find new housing and a new job in the Charlotte, NC area, where a brother and sister of mine live. I'm truly blessed to have such a supportive family, but the principal responsibility for working my way out of this mess has to be mine. I have a series of short-term goals that I'll begin working on immediately in order to move toward long-term objectives. I'd appreciate your prayers.