I was successful at my job.I worked very hard, but it afforded me and my family a fabulous (极好的)lifestyle. I’d worked for the same company for twenty years and had worked my way up to department director.16, one afternoon last May, I was called to the office, and it was gently explained to me that they were letting me go. I just sat there17they talked on and all I could think was，“ I’ve18.” I’d been so well respected ;19I was of no value. 

For six weeks, I was in a very20place. I wandered around my house like a zombie (僵尸). I could see things needed doing, but would not do anything. My beliefs in looking forward and seeing the positive (积极的)in everything21me. 

Then,in late June,my youngest son, s football team made the city cup final. The year before,he’d been very sad when I missed the same final，so he was22when I told him I’d go. Not only did they win, but the look on his face as he saw me23him on was unbelievable. From then on, I spent the summer enjoying my sons and their passions (激情). I attended match after match and performances of my elder son’s band—I24went to another city to watch him play. These moments were so25My life had been so much devoted to26for so long, and I felt27that my sons were happy to welcome me into their world.

28, being unemployed gave me back a sense of purpose—I was someone’s mum! I felt a sense of being29again. Now I feel more positive about my professional future and I’m getting on better with my family than I ever have. Losing my job made me realize just how30it is to achieve real balance in life. 

16.（）