I received upsetting news today: a very dear friend and co-worker is being laid off effective April 1. I found it from a friend who works in payroll. I phoned my friend to see if he would allude to the news, but he said nothing. Of course, I did not broach the subject. I didn't know how. So there I sat making idle chatter and feeling a huge rock in the pit of my stomach.



We discussed a mutual friend who was laid off two weeks past and how is abrupt departure left me feeling bad and at a loss. I mentioned how much I would have liked to say good bye. Hoping that my friend would mention his impending departure, but he held steadfast.



Layoffs are awkward, painful, sad and scary. I've known my friend for 24 years. Twenty four years of watching family members grow up, going through sad and happy times, sharing many jokes and laughter and now, this. I'm really upset...sad. I don't want March to end.