I hope I don't have to worry!

[judy]

My son-in-law was working in Staten Island, a 3 1/2 hour trip from their new house
upstate. He was making great money. He worked it out to stay down here in their old house, which hasn't been sold yet, for 3 days every week. He's an electrician and union rates are very high, so they were doing fine.

His father holds the deed to the Staten Island house. He is an enabler, and I think Jessie talked him into finally leaving that job. There were several major problems with the job anyway. More than that, she doesn't want him around his Dad at this point. He's not drinking and their marriage is working out very well. I say
nothing about what I think, and I find that's best. I can't really say whether she's right or wrong anyway. She knows him and he's much happier not drinking.

He's been applying all over for work near where they live, but at this point, isn't working. He's pretty depressed that he's not working. I'm sure he's scared too - no more father to enable him, a house, a wife and 3 kids and no job.

I'm hoping a job turns up very soon. It won't pay what he was getting most likely, but he'll be home all week, etc. I'm just hoping and praying that he doesn't begin to drink again. I really feel for him. Alcohol is so hard to get off of and stay off.

Please send a prayer their way. Thanks!

[Janet]

Of course prayers are headed their way. Maybe his Union can help him find a job close to home.

[Marilyn]

Judy, sincerely hope he finds something soon. An electrician would have no problem finding work around here. It is so hard to find skilled labor. Construction companies are hiring people off the street to train because they cannot find people already qualified. Electricians are especially in demand. My husband has had problems keeping a good one.

Prayers will definitely be coming their way!!

[DianaB]

With all of the new construction going on all over the country I would think that he would be able to find a job soon. I'll be praying that a job comes up and that things will stay on an even course for their family.

[judy]

Thanks! I do think this is for the best. He wasn't going to keep the other job for long anyway. It's too difficult and the children really missed him. Besides, his Dad is selling the Staten Island house.

He applied to 2 unions up there and a couple of jobs on his own. One sounds great - less money, but close by and very stable. Electricians, like most construction jobs, are generally out of work at some point during the year because the union has to be sure everybody has work. Of course, construction in the winter is very slow.

Now, one of their dogs, Smootchie, ran away. I'm praying that they find him and that he just ran off nearby. I hate to think of anything bad happening to him! He's a Japanese Chin, not very friendly, but we love him.

[Janet]

I hope your son-in-law is able to find a job close. I don't think I could handle a job that had a long commute.

Poor little Smootchie. Hopefully they will find him quickly. Is it very cold there...will the cold bother him?

[judy]

Thanks Janet.

I'm hoping he's hiding inside somewhere. He likes the cold, but he's a little thing - about 12 pounds. I doubt if he'll survive the cold for too long.