It's Still a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life has always been THE Christmas favorite at our house. This year, even more.
As you may know, my husband Tim worked at, then bought and ran Janesville Rental. His only job since he was 17 years old! After three years of putting all of our savings, except our home, into keeping the business, with hopes of an upturn in the economy, we had no more to give and closed the business in September.
The outpouring of support, concern and help from our community and our family has been overwhelming. Tim was offered two jobs before we even closed. Family helped us with a vehicle to use and amazing love & support. People were concerned that Tim’s health was bad, it’s not unless you count stress. And those who are making assumptions about our marriage, sorry he’s still all mine!
The closing of the business has required we file for a personal bankruptcy so that we have the opportunity to keep our home. It is embarrassing, humiliating, and painful to do so. It goes against our desire to fulfil responsibilities and do the right thing. Certainly not something we EVER thought we’d face.
So why share this? Because you’ll all know all of this soon enough anyway - bankruptcy is public record. And because, as you may have noticed, I’m an over-sharer.
This year, more than ever, we are celebrating family, friends, and love. As we celebrate the birth of Christ we celebrate the end of the story, the story of forgiveness and love. Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
Becky Weber-Johnson lives in Janesville with her husband, Tim, and without their children who are away at college. She is an account executive at WCLO/WJVL and is the Saturday morning host on WCLO. She volunteers at her church, with the Optimist club and SpotLight On Kids. Becky is a community blogger and her opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Dec 26, 2011 at 12:31 p.m.
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Becky, it was great seeing you and your family yesterday and welcoming everyone. take care, take it from someone who grew up in a depression things do work out.
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:45 a.m.
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Where will I fill my grill gas tank now??
Merry Christmas.
You will do fine with your positive attitudes.
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:33 a.m.
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@ SuperDave, Great post. I agree that there's no shame in doing what it takes for your family. I would also add, as long as it's moral, legal and ethical. (and I know you'd agree with that) I would also add, that there's so many people unwilling to change with the times and they fall backwards economically and eventually socially. There are many opportunities available today, just so few people willing to change and take advantage of it. I once heard a wise person say, "we can take advantage of change or we can stay the same and allow change take advantage of us". This is a great article Becky, thank you! And thanks for the great insight as well, SuperDave!
Dec 25, 2011 at 7:14 a.m.
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Becky, there is no shame in doing what you have to do for your family. In today's economy, many, many people are undergoing bankruptcies, foreclosures, and worse. An old friend of mine recently became homeless, he lived in shelters for a while because he has no car. I share this with you and your readers only to remind us all to simply be thankful for what we have. Most Americans are still considered "rich" when compared to the rest of the world population.
Merry Christmas.
Dec 25, 2011 at 2:52 a.m.
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Updated Link:
http://www.karlloren.com/healthinsurance...
Dec 25, 2011 at 2:41 a.m.
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GM Hated Janesville, You did this to yourself and everone around you..
http://www.karlloren.com/healthinsurance......
Dec 24, 2011 at 12:33 p.m.
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Becky, I've always appreciated both of you. Great people. BTW, I must be out of the rumor mill. I didn't hear one. Dad said he saw you two earlier today. Merry Christmas!
Dec 24, 2011 at 9:19 a.m.
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Beautiful attitude- you will survive and be stronger for it. Good luck and Merry Christmas.
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