Last night, a few hours after I got laid off, my sister set the dining room table with dinner. She picked some flowers to float in a bowl, and placed a beer at each of our places. Then, she found some mismatched candles to light, and called me to supper.
She toasted my job goodbye, and she and Kevin congratulated me.
Later, my brother called to offer his well-wishes. This was after my dad phoned to say "way to go!"
Friends -- some I've known and some not yet -- offered support and positive thoughts. Digital and telephonic messages reminded me how rich I am, despite the monetary concerns.
And I won't leave out Kev's part in all this. When I bawled in front of my computer, staring blankly at its empty, work-less screen, he took my hands in his and painted a scene for me where I was happy, pursuing my passions, and had regained my soul.
I haven't lost anything.