OK, so it's really been one year and 44 days. But who's counting, right?
In my last post "Where's Tracie been lately?", dated 10/13/08, I shared a few of the new and exciting things that had taken me away from Active Rain for about a month. I also shared some thoughts on where my VA business might be going.
WOW...how things have changed....
Sadly, this most recent and lengthy departure from business and AR wasn't for good reasons. A few years ago, my younger sister began a serious struggle with depression which continued to get worse over time. The last year and half were the worst (and it came on so quickly), with my parents having to help her financially as well as emotionally.
My parents and I all began to assist in raising my niece. So in turn, my husband and I started helping my parents more emotionally, as well as financially from time to time. Having experienced my own battles with depression in the past, it was a no brainer for me...family first in this case.
The past couple of years have been a bit of a blur at times. I took a day job for a steady paycheck. I started going home to Alabama every couple months or so. I became even more active in depression/mental health awareness and education. I wound down my VA business, finally even letting my dear friend and mentor Claudia Wicks go as my last client. All so that I could have every available moment and cent to focus on pulling my sister and my family through.
(Yep, believe it or not, a day job was easier during this past year. Plus, I decided I'd rather let my clients work with another VA than run the risk of ever letting them down.)
On March 14, 2009 we lost my sister Lesley Kay Mason to suicide. She is desperately missed by my Mom & Dad, by my husband & me, by countless friends and family members. She is missed most of all by her daughter Brelin and VIP Shea.
Over the past year, I've learned a lot about myself and what kind of life I want. For now, I've kept my day job, and I still fly home to Bama as often as I can. But now I fly home for want and not need. While the steady paycheck has been a nice change, the work leaves me a little unfulfilled. Plus, I really, REALLY miss having my own business.
So here I go...starting over again with my business and a new page in my life. But it sure beats the alternative!
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