My Boss Just Lost His Dad . . . and My Finances Just Got Tighter!

   Last week we had three days off from work for the holiday.  I didn't get much done because as you might have read, we all passed around a lovely stomach flu and it really put a damper on our holiday spirit.  But we made it through in spite of that and still had some fun together and got to eat a few of the traditional favorites, if not all of them.

   Today it was back to the grind and I walked in to hear that my boss' father passed away this weekend, in The Philippines.  That means he is leaving near the end of this week and we will miss 6 work days out of the deal.  Between last week's 3 days off and now 6 more, that is a lot of missed pay, especially for us.  And we were just starting to feel like we were back on our feet after maternity leave and sky high gas prices!  

   Don't get me wrong -- I am not some heartless person who is only worried about myself.  Just before the break my boss was saying his dad was not likely to make it to Christmas, and they had a long visit over the summer to say goodbye to each other.  I know it still doesn't make the hurt go away or really lessen it much.  I am really very sorry he lost his dad but he too is happy that his father isn't suffering anymore.

   But I also have to think of my family first . . . after all, I work because I have to take care of them.  To lose nearly two weeks of pay, and right before Christmas, is quite a burden!  Now I don't know what I'm going to do about buying any gifts for the kids.  I have a few things stashed away and it will make enough for a very small collection under the tree.  Our kids are not greedy and have been raised that money and stuff are not everything and that we are not wealthy people -- there are some things we have to do without and they know that.  I know that we can fill up the holidays with fun music fit for the season, holiday baking, and sharing church events the kids participate in and Bible stories about Jesus.  We can make plenty of inexpensive or free fun.

   But what scares me a little are the bills . . . we were just squeaking by and now this will really hurt us.  I do get a nice holiday bonus but it more or less pays for the week we are gone for Christmas.  And my boss has a trip planned so I think we are set to be off for almost TWO weeks this year.  More pain in the bank account.  Those plans may change now that this has happened but I believe the tickets are already booked for their traveling. 

   I am pondering a temporary holiday job to fill in the gaps.  But I am not sure if I should . . . I have had a few health concerns lately and I have fibromyalgia as well.  Anything temporary will  mean on my feet all day and that just does me in to the point of tears.  I am no good to my family after that kind of work day.  I can Gather a little extra, especially during the added time off.  I earned a lot of points over Thanksgiving break, in spite of being sick.  Thanks, everyone!

   I know God will always provide -- we will not go without the things we need, ever.  But I also know that we need His guidance to make wise choices.  Please pray for us that we will make it through this financially difficult time without hurting our credit, or putting our car or home in any jeopardy.  I can make food stretch pretty well, and we are already pretty careful with our electricity use.  I just got this month's bill and it was only $103!  That will help too, having a lower bill on that one this month to pay.

   Anyway, just had to get that off my chest.  I cannot fret about it as I will just worry myself into a migraine, and that won't do the family or me a bit of good!  I am not eager to tell my husband when he gets home tonight.  He is a quiet worrier -- while I will storm around as I rant and get off steam, he won't share with me how much things way heavily on his mind unless I press him.  He doesn't want to make me worry more.  Thanks for stopping by to "listen".  I do appreciate it.