I was successful at my job and had worked my way up to department director. 1, one afternoon last May, I was called to the office, and it was explained to me that they were letting me go. I just sat there2they talked on and all I could think was, "I've
3." I'd been so well respected, but4I was of no value.
For six weeks, I was in a very5place. I wandered around my house like a zombie (僵尸). I could6things needed doing, but would not do anything. My beliefs in looking forward deserted me.
Then, in late June, my youngest son's football team7the city cup final. The year before, he'd been very sad when I8the same final, so he was delighted when I told him I'd go. Not only did they win, but the look on his face as he saw me cheering him on
9with joy. From then on, I spent the summer enjoying my sons and their passions. I attended match after match and performances of my elder son's band — I10went to another city to watch him play. These moments were so11. My life had been so much devoted to12for so long, and I felt 13that my sons were happy to welcome me into their world.
14, being unemployed gave me back a sense of purpose — I was someone's mum! I felt a sense of being15again. Now I feel more positive about my professional experience and I'm getting on better with my family than I ever have.
