More stress

    In addition to all the "normal" stress that we've been under we now have some additional stress. Josh's school district is once again facing major budget cuts (about 22 million). Which means many layoffs, cut in calendar days (which means less pay) and additional pay cuts.  The district has until March 15 to send out pink slips, even if Josh doesn't receive one, we are still looking at another pay cut (which is way better than no job at all).  In the past, the special education department has been considered "safe" from pink slips, but this year they are adding about forty positions to be cut from the special education department alone.  Which makes Josh vulnerable to a pink slip.  Although he has been with the district a little over five years, we don't have a guarantee nor do we know for sure what is to come.
     The timing of it all is an added stress. Amaya's surgery is scheduled for the 6th of March, but the district has until the 15th of March to hand out a pink slip. We're left wondering, worrying and scrambling to decide the best course of action for us. Do we postpone the surgery? What if  Josh does receive a pink slip (our insurance could be cut halfway thru the lengthening)? There are so many uncertainties (will he receive a pink slip, will he actually be let go, will he be rehired)? There are so many unknowns; we don't want to make a hasty decision. The thought of postponing the surgery is stressful in itself; Dr. Nelson is usually booked three months in advance, so we would have to move the surgery date by at least three months.
    We are still trying to talk things thru and decide what's best for our family. We'll keep you posted. Thank you for your love, patience, support and encouragement.