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My friend, you are not well – and it hurts me to see you like
this. You know, friends help each other if one is down – and we have
been close friends for over 14 years.
I’m fine, really – what are you talking about?
You know what I’m talking about. Don’t be resigned – that feeling
is common with financial stress. Look – you cannot sustain your
current lifestyle, your current standard of living.
Be careful what you say to me.
Yes, I know you are nearly 160 years old and have incredible
experiences and accomplishments. But I’m talking about your living
on the edge hoping the money challenges will resolve themselves. You
have many friends who love you – so we are going to make sure you
take care of yourself.
I have a destiny – built on a vision. Don’t change who I
am. I beg you.
Look – it can lead to good things if you have an open mind. I
want to help you – I NEED to help you get to this new outlook.
Things will turn around – did you see the spirit (and
money) at the auction last night?
Oh I know my stomach was in knots at Agnes’ event last night. The
community – the momentum – the dynamics of the bidding teams – the
camaraderie – the children laughing – the spirit.
Was the canvass a success?
Yes, and Catherine’s energy worked wonders too, as did Art and
everyone before.
How do you think I need to live?
Me? I think you need to cut your day-to-day costs.
But that would impact staff…they build the hope.
I know, as I said, I’m anxious and it hurts me to think about it.
Take for instance:
Mark, he married Janet and me.
Donna, she has coached me through my Board and other
activities.
Diane, she encouraged me through my story telling term and
created a great community for my children.
Peter validated Unitarianism as a religion to my dad
Yes…and…
the others who manage the building and office, plus the
programs, our CUC membership, this building and location
I won’t go.
You are going to resist this change, aren’t you? It is not going
to be easy to disrupt your delicate balance. But sometimes to
understand who we are we must push ourselves beyond our limit and
then deal with the realignment. Come back to the ‘B’ league if we’re
not ready for ‘A’, so to speak.
What’s next?
Well, we’ve asked your close friends to meet here on the
afternoon of November 30 after second service. We will explain the
state you have gotten yourself into; let your friends speak about
how you are a friend to them and how they think you should change;
and we’ll outline the process to how we will decide what to change
in February to spend $80K less in 2004.
What about you // Can I help?
As I said, I’m anxious about the pending changes; but I’m
comfortable they will also create opportunity. I appreciate who I
am, and who others around me are, because of you. Oh, yes, I have
lots of plans once this is behind us.
When will you speak with me again?
We’ll talk again November 30. Till then, take care my friend.
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