Tara Pringle Jefferson is a freelance writer from Ohio, where she lives with her husband and two kids. Visit her blog, TheYoungMommyLife.com, for daily musings about the issues young moms face.
Twice this week we’re heard stories of people, unable to cope with the demands of life as an unemployed parent, who resorted to a murder-suicide as their only way out. Once in a California neighborhood and once in a Columbus community. The economy is hurting folks on both coasts and all areas in between.
In light of these recent events, it’s hard not to comment on the impact the current recession is having on families. Stressed out dads, unable to put food on the table, perhaps feel like less of a man and a failure as a father. Moms, working or not, can sense the shift in the household and might not know what to say or how to fix it. Children are vulnerable to the stress too, which only adds to the feeling of helplessness pervasive throughout the home.
Let’s make sure we all look out for one another during this economic crisis. Have people recently been let go at your job? Send them a card and an offer to help if they need it. If they’re having a particularly rough time, sending them a gas card or a gift card to the local supermarket in the mail wouldn’t hurt. Let’s make sure we act as a community, instead of focusing inward on the individual.
Political Pete says
Tara you are a beautiful person! This is a good idea.
I agree with the spirt of this post. I’ve had more family members (who work related to the auto-industry related field) who have been laid off in the past six months than ever. I’m glad the stimulus packaged passed.
Political Petes last blog post..Obama and Sports
rawdawg says
yea folk its ruff out here – gotta stay strong
rawdawgs last blog post..Tax Payer Life Support
Harriet says
You’re right, Tara. Some people become so introspective and caught up in their own issues that they no longer have the capacity to empathize with others.
We have to bear one another up. Great article!
King James says
Great ideas!!
Tara Pringle Jefferson says
Last week, after I heard about the two murder-suicides, I thought to myself, “Thank God I have a job.” Then I stopped and really thought about it. I still have a job, I’m buying a house, I’m paying all my bills, I’m incredibly blessed. I have to give back. That’s all there is to it.
Tara
Tara Pringle Jeffersons last blog post..Learning how to be a full-time working mom
Anna says
Last week, after I heard about the two murder-suicides, I thought to myself, “Thank God I have a job.†Then I stopped and really thought about it. I still have a job, Im buying a house, Im paying all my bills, Im incredibly blessed. I have to give back. Thats all there is to it.
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It quickly puts things in perspective. I know this couple who work at a school with catering classes. The left over food is always placed in the cafeteria for the workers. New management installed carmeras and saw them sharing some food and a drink. Total price .$85, they were both fired. New management never told them about the cameras or that they could no longer eat the food or did not tell them they could eat it if they paid for it. She worked at this company for 11 yrs. her hubby 6. They are buying a home, just purchased a vehicle that the dealer will not take back but agree to down grade with yet a car payment. They were denied unemployment and while fighting to get their jobs back they have only each been able to find part time jobs. If this were to happen to me and my hubby I don’t know how we would have been able to survive as long as this couple has. They say that you should have 6 months worth of income stashed away in such cases. This couple have been without good paying jobs for over 9 months. Besides some of my customers I don’t know anyone without a job or who has had to forclouse on their home. I feel so bad for these ppl. but at the same time realize how truely blessed I am. It is really hard for me to be happy for my life when so many ppl are struggling. We do work pay check to pay check and our retirement funds are depleting because of the stock market. Hubby and I are still young enough to take a hit on our retirement, some ppl are not so lucky. I have a few customers that I give gas cards to for Christmas, in return they come to see me in person rather than pick up the phone to call me and say hi. The best I can do is pray our economy gets back on track and other lives don’t have to suffer this mess that we are in.
Political Pete says
Have they spoke with attys?
Political Petes last blog post..Obama and Sports
Sheila says
Today’s economy is hurting all and reading these kind works has given me strenght to carry on.
Sheila
MissJay says
It really is hurting all. Glad you wrote this article. Although I am losing my job also, I feel blessed to have a sufficient time frame to look for a new one (we found out in early November and have until early May). Others in the same company were not as lucky. Some had their end dates 2 months in advance, others a month, and others a few hours. And I hear talk about making another round of cuts soon. They are not even finished here. It’s truly sad but that’s the state of our economy, and I pray that it gets better sooner rather than when it’s too late.
Resa51 says
Anna: PLEASE tell the couple to go to attorneys ASAP!!! I work in the legal industry. And this doesn’t even sound right at all.
Political Pete… great minds think alike. lol