Unemployment was worth every penny...

Many of you know that Mike's been "on vacation" for six months now.

"What's it like having your husband home all the time?" you asked.

"Wonderful," I replied.

It was the truth. We loved having him home and the kids have grown incredibly attached. This time has been a gift. When does a Father get to spend hours with the kids, throwing the baseball, solving puzzles, reading? There are always tedious chores to do: Mow the grass, pay the bills, fix broken crap. But, when you're unemployed, you have the benefit of time. So, you get to fill your hours with activities more enriching than just to-do lists. Mike even got to coach Madan's T-ball team. Something he never would have been able to do if he still worked in downtown Cleveland. To say Madan was proud to call his Dad "Coach" is an understatement. You'd think Mike was coaching the Indians (or a better team). Madan thought it was the coolest thing in the world. It was.

While we're sad to see Mike go back to work, we're thrilled that he's found a job that he likes. Mike is a wonderful guy who deserves to be happy. Leaving friends and family will be difficult, but we support this move 100%. We owe it to him for all that he's done and continues to do for us.

I never stressed about Mike being laid off. Even as the weeks grew into months and the end of severance approached. Truth is, Mike is a smart guy and I never doubted that he'd land on his feet. And, if it took a long time, I was fine with whatever sacrifice we'd have to make. Life deals you challenges and how you roll with them builds character. Hopefully, the kids have learned that through this experience.

Last week, Mike got a job offer in Philly. This week, he may get one from Detroit. All I know is that by Friday, we'll know where we're going next and I look forward to sharing the adventure with him. I'll be sad that my best friend will no longer be here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'll miss running into him at the gym and seeing the kids run up to him as if he'd been gone for a week. Most of all, I'll miss watching him with the doobies and seeing them drink it up.

Before Mike was laid off, Kaila would have nothing to do with him. She would run the other way if he approached her. Six months later, if he leaves for an hour, she tells me how much she misses him and wants to know when he'll be back. And, when he returns, she runs to him, puts her little arms around his neck and squeezes.

Unemployment was worth every penny.