I truly believe there is a plan for each and everyone of us. That is why sometimes life changes in ways you cannot understand or sometimes even accept.
Last May I was offered a position as UNIX Manager at AutoZone here in Memphis. After negotiating with Harrah's and agonizing over leaving my friends and my history I accepted the position. I was happy with my choice and excited for a new opportunity and ready to move on to the next phase of my career and possibly even some changes in my life.
2 days later my son wanted to refuse visitation for the weekend - he just needed a break. It turned into a hostage backpack situation and an embarrassing screaming match with Ken and Stacey. We made quite a spectacle for maybe 10 minutes before Ken puffed up with anger and self righteousness called the police. I waited calmly for the police to come and we told our story and 4 policeman finally convinced him to release the hostage backpack. No I am not kidding. No report was filed and I went home exhausted and drained from yet another difficult moment with my nasty ex. It had been a long week and it was getting ready to turn into a longer year.
On Monday Ken filed for an Order of Protection and accused me of criminal stalking. I have never received detention in school. I had not even gotten a speeding ticket in many years. I immediately consulted with my lawyer and he explained the gravity of the stalking charge. Patrick had been emailed that he was no longer welcome in his father's house until he apologized for refusing to come over for a weekend. So I sat there and looked at how quickly my life had unraveled and made a very difficult call. I informed AutoZone that due to personal reasons I could no longer accept the position offered to me. They tried to convince me that they would work with me but I knew that if I started there with so many personal problems it would be my reputation. I would be the typical single mom with single mom problems. No childcare or transportation for my 13 year old, criminal charges, two kids traumatized by yet another incident between their parents.
So I stood by my decision to turn down the job offer and was fortunate enough that Harrah's was willing to let me retract my resignation. It turned out to be the right decision too. I went through 6 months, 3 court dates, more than a dozen sessions with a psychologist, countless flex time hours driving Patrick back and forth. In the end, never a word was said in my defense and all the charges were dropped. Patrick has continued to stand by his decision to refuse visitation and so I handle all of his school and extracurricular activities on my own.
6 days after the last court date, Harrah's announced they were closing the Memphis office. I was one of the minority of employees offered the opportunity to relocate. I have talked to friends and family and received tons of wonderful advice. In the end it came to this. Today I accepted the offer to relocate to Las Vegas. I have several months before I have to go and in the meantime I will keep all of my local options open. However there is a part of me that wonders if I am being pointed to move for a reason. I am keeping an open mind but not sure why I am being directed this way. I guess in time I will know the reason.
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