(single photo - no slide)
Yesterday afternoon, Phil a cabinet-maker came to pay me a visit. I've known Phil for a few years, and when my "Honey Do" list of things needing attention is loaded, but there is no "Honey" around to fix them, I call Phil. I've been fortunate that Phil can handle a lot of different things. In the past, he has made repairs to my kitchen cabinets, and made adjustments to a living room entertainment armoire, so it would accommodate a new HDTV.
While he was at my home yesterday, working on a sliding closet door adjustment, Phil laid his tools on my bedroom floor. While he toiled, we talked about things going on in our lives. Earlier, I had noticed the colorful tool pouch he had cradled in his arms as he entered my house. Phil handled it like a beloved small child; and explained his wife had lovingly crocheted it for him a few days earlier.
Phil, his wife and family of 3 young children, are entering a transition period in their lives. The family had purchased their home in mid 2005 - at the height of the market! The house is now worth considerably less than what was paid for it.
As most of us know, since the housing bust here in California, any work having to do with home building or auxiliary trades, has had a very hard go of it in recent years! Phil's business has suffered!
The family tried to negotiate a loan modification with the bank - but ultimately failed. The house is now in foreclosure!
As bleak as things may seem for his family, Phil has some optimism for getting through this time.
One thing both Phil and I agreed on, is that any REAL recovery in our economy must hinge on jobs! The dilemma however, is how do you implement job recovery when our corporations are outsourcing overseas to workers in countries that will work for $7.50 a DAY, when that wage per HOUR isn't sustainable as a LIVING wage in this country?
There are a number of Americans shuffling around in economic pain. When we look at the little hand crocheted tool pouch on my bedroom floor, we realize it represents families with love that binds them together - but love doesn't pay the mortgage each month!
If only jobs could be created with as much care and creativity, as this wife demonstrated, for a husband during a time of great distress, perhaps hope for recovery could begin!
Comments(24)