Furloughs and frustrations

So yesterday I found out I was being furloughed.

Like a lot of people, I'm navigating the failures of our unemployment system for the first time. I'm dealing with uncertainty, frustration, and so many other emotions.

I cried for a good solid twenty minutes after finding out yesterday. I also ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's. And Chipotle. Because everything is better with ice cream and burrito bowls.

But the thing I've been thinking about the most is my coworkers. My work family. The amazing humans who day-in, day-out make serving the public their number one priority. They forgo vacations to make sure they are in the branch on the right days. They do extra things to give our customers a leg up on the world, or just to make them smile.

I've been lucky in several of the jobs I've had to have wonderful people I work with every day. But nothing compares to my library family. We make each other laugh, we pray for each other in times of distress, and we send cute pictures of our animals to a GroupMe because who doesn't want those?

In truth I'm still processing everything that's happened in the last twenty-four hours. I'm grieving the loss of so many things both personal and professional.

But I've also been deeply encouraged by so many wonderful things.

I got to pretend to be Dolly Parton and record a song on video for the first time (was my hair high enough to get closer to God?).

I got to (virtually) attend a Seder meal for the first time, hosted by one of my best friends in the world.

I started using TikTok and have followed some beautifully creative people who are just trying to make the world smile in a time of uncertainty and fear.

I got to hear my Bishop preach from the pulpit in the church I have attended since I was six years old.

I've reconnected with people I haven't spoken to in a long time.

I met all of my coworkers' pets!

In this time of uncertainty, fear, frustration, I'm trying my hardest to be joyful. It's not always easy, but it's worth it.