When I walked into the house after school, the first thing I noticed was a box with items I recognized from my dad's office. When he told me that he was laid off, I thought he was joking. Then I noticed his seriousness and realized he was telling the truth. My father has always been a hard worker. He has prided himself on his career.（1）I guess I had taken his work for granted.
（2）For starters, he was home all the time. It meant my bed had to be made, my room cleaned up, and my homework done right after school. I would come home every day to find him at the computer searching for jobs. （3）He seemed down, though he tried to be optimistic. He asked my brother and me to spend less. I gave up my spending money, which wasn't much. I also found a part-time job.
（4）He explained that he never wanted to be laid off again, so he was going to start his own business. Day by day, I watched him build it. One evening I asked if he needed help. “Only if it doesn't affect school,” he said. I showed up at his office the next afternoon, and most afternoons after that for two months.
（5）The terrible experience for our family taught me how to deal with difficulties. Now I know that through creative problem-solving, I can always find Plan B. I can ask for help and take risks. What I have learned from my dad's understanding of business and his work ethic（信条）are two of the most important lessons I will ever learn. And they will be my principles for success.
A. Providing for our family has been his joy.
B. I made every effort to solve his problems.
C. I began to notice how losing his job had affected him.
D. My father's unemployment created many changes in our lives.
E. After months of searching, my dad decided to go in a totally different direction.
F. His courage and determination helped him to become successful in his new career.
G. I always knew he was a hard worker, but watching him in action influenced me a lot.
