Graditude

Brad and I were driving home from Salt Lake last night and he works for ChevronTexaco, it is a union job. Brad has chosen not to be part of the union, he doesn't necessarily agree with the whole union thing so he is not a member. The contract with the company was under negotiations this year and it has been stressful because they have been threatening to strike to get more money and Brad not being a part of the union would have had to cross the picket lines, which was stressful for him. (He is only 1 of about 5 that are not members). Anyway, the union settled with the company and there will not be a strike. Thank goodness.
I had just been with a friend whose brother was laid off and we were just discussing the economy, and how many people we know and love that are suffering. Well about 9 years ago, we went through our own "mini depression". Brad had his own brick business and it was very good for 8 years then he tried to expand, and then there was a bump in the economy, nothing like it is now, but still Brad went without a paycheck for about 8-10 months. Luckily, we had money put away and we had parents that were in a position to help us. Which you hate but are very grateful for. At the time, it was devastating, it still chokes me up to think about the desperation I felt. I would have gotten a job but Stockton was in Kindergarten, Grace was 1 and Sara was JUST born. I remember my mom saying "you can get through this", and I saying, "give me a date, I can endure but I want a date." Well we did get through it. Brad finished his degree, (he was on the 15 year plan, but he finished.) He went and laid brick for someone else for a while and worked for Syracuse City for a while, then my sweet dad in his wisdom and kindness said one day, "Chevron is hiring, it's kind of crappy hours but it is a great company". He had worked for the company for 30 + years. So Brad applied and got the job. YES, he does work 2 weekends per month, YES, he does work 7 nights per month, YES he does work holidays, but YES he does have a GREAT job. Had that NOT happened to us 9 years ago.....he probably wouldn't have gotten another job and being in construction right now, we would have lost everything. At the time, it was a big trail but now I see that was a HUGE blessing. It breaks my heart to know people are going through hard times and I don't know when it will be over, I wish I knew a "date", I have been through it personally and hopefully I can help others as I was helped through that period. BRAD you are my rock and my hero. I love you with all of my HEART.