Some years back my youngest brother lost his job when the store he'd worked at for 16 years was sold. Off and on after that he'd be unemployed, employed, unemployed. Then, two and half years ago, he was hired as a CADman at a company which makes heating elements (like, for McDonald's and such). Last week he worked overtime -- again.

Yesterday he was laid off.

He has two sons, both in high school now. His youngest boy was struck by a car a year ago last May and had knee surgery in September. After the surgery he started seizing; doctors are baffled, but it's getting better. Fortunately, his wife is a respiratory therapist and has health insurance through the hospital where she works.

He'll be starting his job hunting on Monday -- he's already renewed his substitute teaching documents.

It hits me right in the gut because I was nearly a year unemployed.

If you have a chance, wing some good thoughts over to west central Illinois way. He can use 'em right about now.