Today, I had to do the hardest thing I've ever had to do as a manager. I had to tell nine people on my team that we'd be furloughing them. The thought of telling someone that they will be placed on leave without pay is hard enough, but to have to do it "face to face" over a video conference made it unbearable. So, for four and a half hours, I had meeting after meeting to tell them the bad news.
The process and the emotional response was exhausting. I tried to take a few minutes between each one to run downstairs and hug my son. I needed a reminder of how blessed we are, how much good is still in the world, and why I do all of this. Seeing his innocent (or not so innocent) smile, and knowing that he has no idea of what I had to go through, helped to ground me. He didn't judge me or think I was a bad man. He didn't dread my face or what I had to say next. He just loved me, and that's what I needed.
I know we all get through this, and hopefully it won't last for long. But if I didn't have those two little arms to wrap around my neck, I don't know how I would have even made it through the first day. Lord, be with all of those affected by this terrible thing plaguing our lives. Provide for them, somehow, because many have little arms of their own to support.
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