Gloomy Gloom in the Valley of the Sun

My heart is heavy with all sorts of troubles right now. First of all, we are all fine.

I'm sure everybody in the country is aware of the troubles facing school districts right now. Layoffs and budget cuts are running rampant. We are no different here. In fact, there is a double whammy here. Budget cuts and declining enrollment due to a high rate of foreclosures and tougher immigration laws. As much as teaching in Arizona aggravates me at times, it is what I do. It is what I love. But, it's a painful time now.

By state statute we need to be notified of layoffs by April 15th. I've been nervous because I just returned to full time teaching this year after taking two years off to sub. I've worked for the same district since we moved to Arizona, but that won't mean a thing. Today the first round of layoffs hit. In the direct line of fire was a teacher on my team. We are all in shock, and so very, very sad. This is the one person who is so incredibly talented that she puts us all to shame. The next round of layoffs are being voted on tomorrow night by the board. They will hit by next week. Overall it looks like about 50 teachers out of 300 are being released. I'm just so sad.

Further gloomage (I know, it's not a word, but it fits) is happening across town at my parent's house. My mom had surgery on her foot about 6 weeks ago. She's been in a wheelchair, unable to put any weight on it since then. She has another 6 weeks to go. For those who know us personally, and for those who have been reading for a while, you know that my dad is also in a wheelchair, a quadriplegic, resulting from an accident almost 3 years ago. They've been getting by these past weeks due to a finely tuned weave of cooperation between home health, respite care, hired help and angels from the church. My dad's home health care company quit on them yesterday leaving them high and dry. There is not a suitable replacement at this time. This is a devastating blow to my parents and I'm helpless to do anything and we don't know what will happen.

The gloomy gloom keeps on glooming, too. A very dear friend is going through a rough time right now. I'm too far away to rush to her side to lend a shoulder to cry on. Other friends are still dealing with infertility, some are newly dealing with it, some are waiting to adopt. Other friends are also dealing with layoffs and shift reductions. I just feel so helpless in my lack of ability to offer any meaningful help.

To top it off, B just got called in to work and I have to go to bed alone. I hate that. I can't wait until he's home.