The growing family....

It is so hard to believe it has been a month already. But it has. The solidarity shown by the IAM 735 continues to inspire me each day.

I have so much I want to type I do not even know where to start- guess that means I need to do this thing more often haha.

I have been asked to pass on the words of support I have received from my classmates and professors. One of my instructors drives by our picket line every day and makes it a point to honk her horn to show her support. She told me yesterday that actually knowing someone involved in this has helped her to better understand our struggle. I gave serious consideration to dropping out of school when this all began. My husband would not hear of it. My professors have been amazing in working with me through this. They are understanding of the fact that I may need to miss classes from time to time because of childcare etc.

The deadline for me to withdraw was 11/4. I have seriously wondered if I made the right decision by sticking out the semester. I have determined that it was absolutely the best choice for one main reason. If I drop out of school, Vought wins. They will have broken the potential future for my family and there is NO WAY I will let them do that. I hold this same belief for our union family. There is NO WAY I could turn my back on any of you who have stood proudly in our fight. I intend on doing everything I can to help people stay out "one day longer".

I know we go back to the table on the 12th. I do not plan on letting that fact slow my efforts in making sure I do all I can to see the union through this. I do not anticipate Vought coming to the table with a decent contract. I would love for them to prove me wrong, but I live in reality not the company's "Fantasyland". So here is a "reality check":

1. We have made it this far together- nothing can stop us as long as we remain united. We all know the holidays are around the corner but we will survive that too if need be. The stress of this entire situation SUCKS!!! I would be lying if I said otherwise. But nobody is in this alone. Do not be afraid to talk about it.
2. Pride is a bitter thing to swallow. I know there are members out there who could use the help but taking that first step of going to the hardship committee is enough to make you choke on your pride. If you need the help, ASK!! Even if it is not monetary help, there are 900 of us- we WILL find the resources you need one way or another. I would encourage everybody that if at all possible- donate to the food bank at the union hall. It is a whole lot easier on a persons pride to help themselves to food and clothing than to admit face to face you need the help.
3. The community is more behind us than we realize as individuals. Talk to your friends, family etc. about unused items that could benefit a union brother or sister. Even if they are items your particular household may not need- somebody will. I have practiced what I preach and have received an insane amount of clothing donations which I am in the process of sorting through by size etc. Let the committee know what you need- I will more than likely have it and can get it to the union hall.

Well that is enough rambling for one day. I will post again soon since I have a wide variety of topics I want to cover.

Much Love,
~TS1~