FiredAfter24Yrs

I have had a wonderful career with the Department of Corrections. I was always very encouraging to others I worked alongside as well as newly hired individuals. The department enabled me to provide a home for myself and raise two children without any assistance. I hired on one year after my divorce. I had already been working for the State as a paraprofessional at our local elementary school   I interviewed for an officer position and was chosen out of thirteen other applicants. The divorce had made it difficult. The kids and I moved in the housing project. The new job enabled me to save up and put money down on us a small house after being at the projects only 11 months I saved up enough to put a deposit on the little brick ranch house. We were thankful for the help we had getting the housing apartment but my job allowed me to move on. Throughout my career I was a Special housing unit officer, Field training officer, facility mail room officer and correctional Sergeant. 
I still live in the house hard work on my part helped me obtain. I was dependable, well liked and respected. 
I had been in special education classes throughout my school years and struggled with depression issues. My my whole family minus my daughter and a sister who choose not to be close has passed away mom 2012, my only son Jimmy was shot in the back and murdered in 2016, my only brother Dan passed in 2018, sister Janice in February 2022 and then my father in March 2022. My daughter served six years in the United States Air Force the in May of 2022 graduated from the University of Colorado with her four year degree. I’m so proud of her! She has been such a strong person throughout everything we have been going through. We have become very close and we are more connected than ever before because of loosing so many we loved so much. 
Went to visit with my daughter in Colorado. I made the choice to take the gummies when I was there to help me sleep. A few days later after a twelve hour plus shift, a good productive day I got called in for a random drug test   
I was on administrative leave for a week and then terminated.  I’m not sure what I will do. My knees and ankles are always in pain. I never complained about it knowing I was towards the final goal of getting to retire.  I loved my job and unlike some the inmates and staff really liked when I was working because I was always firm but fair and compassionate. I’m so grateful for the years that I had   I just need a little help so that I can focus on getting a grocery store job or something I have skills in. I honestly don’t have many real skills but I know I will get a job doing something. 
My old depression is really trying to get the best of me and I haven’t been able to face people yet since being fired. I cry a lot which is not good for my desire to get out and find something. 
I will be very grateful and appreciative for your help. I will not stay in this slump forever because I am made of tough stuff. I am going on 57 years old. I made a choice that has changed my life. If you help me out please know that I will try my hardest to help myself too.