http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649103/Resilient-Utahns-hold-to-hope-amid-oils-boom-and-bust-cycle.html
As the little oil boom town of Vernal, Utah feels the devastating effects of the fall in oil prices, 1800 miles away in Houston, the ugly effects have affected two of its former residents too. January 11th seemed to be a normal day. Rick kissed me on the cheek and left for work. I started my daily routine. Rick always calls to say hi during the day, so when I picked up the phone, I didn't expect to hear, I was just laid off.
Being very security minded it rocked my world in a matter of seconds. 23 years of blood, sweat, and tears (long hours, interrupted vacations, sacrifice) not given a chance for negotiations, gone. Thoughts swirling in my head, what will happen next? Being so close to retirement, and the need of insurance. Glad our home is paid off, but regretting buying those newer cars in the garage. Imagining cutting back here and there, how long will what we have last. Possibility of going back to work, Rick hitting the pavement at 61. I literally couldn't eat for weeks. Future plans on hold, travel home to visit our Moms not going to happen. Not to mention doing little things for grandchildren, on special occasions. I felt so many emotions in a matter of seconds, that I was sure my body was going to shatter into pieces. Sadly, I hoped it would.
It's been almost two months, slowly I am grasping reality. After 30 years, Rick's resume is updated. I am slowly getting my application to school district completed. Rick has researched what retirement looks like, and hopes we can make it to 66. We have been on a emotional roller coaster. I am hoping that someone will consider him a valuable asset. He could wear many different hats. Accounting, business management, IT. With a MBA, CPA, CPIM, 23 years experience with SAP implementation, and project manager he has plenty to offer.
So as the days go by, know this... My heart goes out to all the people in my quaint little home town of Vernal, Utah. I understand what you are feeling, and my heart aches for you. For it's a unwanted detour in our journey. I know that we need to stop being afraid of what's going on in the moment, and find joy in those things that are going right. So may we carry on in uncertainty, having faith that there is something better.
