Career Changes - Part 2

Continuing from yesterday's post...

March and April were pretty good. We had a steady stream of students. We had our ups and downs, but for the most part, things were ok. At least we were making ends meet, and making slight progress.

Then May rolled around, and things took a major turn. Beth got really sick and I spent a week in the hospital with her. (More of that story in a latter post.) During that first two weeks of May, life was extra stressful. I needed to be in three places at once, and I was worn out emotionally, physically, and mentally. Reality hit that some changes needed to be made. I began putting feelers out for a new teacher or director to work at the center so I could be home more. When I was at work, I was overwhelmed. When I was home, I was still dealing with employee drama at work. I loved my students and was very attached to them, but I needed help.

In mid-May, I began to get some feedback that a girl that had a directors credential was willing to come work for me. About a week later, she decided that she liked being a stay-at-home mom, and wasn't ready to work again. No hard feelings, I get it. I wished her the best, but I was still bummed. What to do now?
Then the very next day, a girl walked into the center and was interested in buying it. She asked lots of questions, and took several pictures, and told me she'd call me tomorrow with her final decision. Yay, right? No, she called back the next day and backed out, stating that she'd want to turn it into a candy store. Well, our landlord wants to keep it as a daycare, so that didn't work.
About a week later, a woman walked in, and she asked even more questions. Said she'd have to talk to her husband, and they'd be back. Well, at this point, I honestly didn't believe her. But, to my surprise, she showed up just an hour later with husband in tow. They looked over every square inch of the building, did a lot of talking and asking questions, and finally said that they'd do it. I couldn't hardly believe it! We started making arrangements: we told the staff, parents, and she made arrangements for the utilities and lease to be changed to her name.

Finally things were looking up. My students would be taken care of. I was going to have someone handling the stress of the daycare. I could spend more one on one time with my children, but still work with the daycare kids. Win-win, right?!
No... The first of June, she backed out. Really? Really!
So, we decided to close the doors of our wonderful center. It was the hardest decision I have ever made. We were down to 6 students. I let two of my teachers go. That was a nightmare all in itself. I felt bad, but there was no sense in there being 4 of us for only 6 students.
June 29th was our last day. It was so bitter sweet. I knew, and still know, that it was the right decision. But, dang, I was attached to those children. I loved being a part of their little lives, and SO miss them.