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    Thursday, December 14, 2006

    So Sad

    I got an email last night from Mr. Sign's friend Steve, who was best man in our wedding. His wife and I became very close for several years talking every day for hours. We were both raising our little ones and stayed at home.

    I was heartbroken when they moved about an hour away. We still talked but it became much less when I started working.

    Steve had taken a job that had helped them move but the move was lateral with the same pay. This might have been ok except the cost of living is much higher where they moved.

    They immediately fell into debt and were having a hard time even buying food. I was able to scrape together some cash and bought them some groceries to get them through to the next paycheck. Things weren't the best for my family either as Mr. Sign had just been layed off.

    Things seemed to get better until about a year ago Steve's wife was diagnosed with MS and could no longer work as much as she had been. They had some other rough things happen that I was unaware of since we didn't speak very often any more.

    Anyhow, the email stated that they were going to send out Christmas cards but didn't have money to do it. Steve had lost his job in February (the one he moved for 5 years ago) and was working 2 part time jobs. His unemployment compensation was done in September. His wife can only work one night a week because of the MS.

    The real kicker came when he said that they will lose their house the first week of January. My heart sank. I want to help them but know that they are beyond any (small) help we could give them. Especially after we recently spent $400 fixing the garage door, $300 to our doctor (later rant on that), $350 on Mr. Sign's car, $500 for the hospital for my surgery, and $650 to the weightloss center for Mr. Sign's surgery (December 28th).

    I can't imagine what they will do. They have two girls and two dogs. Their family lives on the opposite side of the state. I'm heartbroken for them. I don't think I can even scrounge up $50 for them to buy presents for the girls.

    12 comments:

    KJ said...

    This time of year is the hardest too.......

    my heart goes out to them......

    Big Pissy said...

    That is just so sad....

    Isn't there a local service agency that they could turn to for help?

    I know that our state's Department of Human Resources sponsors families at the holidays....as well as local churches and places like the Salvation Army.

    kimmyk said...

    How sad.

    I don't even know what to say-I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

    barman said...

    When it rains it poors. It seems like the last year alone has been simply awfull to them. It is a shame they moved. This area of Michigan is one of the most affordable area. Prayers heading out for your friends hoping that they will find a way to continue to cope and hopefully overcome all that life has thrown at them.

    Anonymous said...

    Do NOT read my post under any circumstances..Got it?

    jillie said...

    Do they belong to any church? Gosh I hope things turn around for them. You're a good person for trying to help. If she has to take meds for her MS tell her to contact the MS foundation and the pharmacies for the medications because she be able to get them for free. I will say a prayer for them...I know it may not save their house but even if just one prayer is answered it's a blessing. Can she get ANY disability?

    Tumbleweed said...

    OMG, this is so sad! I totally wish I could help. Argh.....so frustrating!!

    Anonymous said...

    Do you have a paypal account. I want to help -- at least a little. e-mail me at donnamtoler@yahoo.com

    Seriously... I can't do a ton, but I can do a little! In fact, I have a Barbie Doll here, brand new, that I purchased on e-bay in error. I will send it to you!

    Please let me know!

    GAB said...

    I know how you feel. Thing is money is tight here and I dont know if my grandkids will even get christmas. And now the new house paynebt which used to be 986 a month starts Jan1 st as 1300, We stuggled just to make the 986 and I know we cant make the 1300. Im afraid the internet may go. So if I dissappear you'll know why

    Sicilian said...

    Gurl. . . I think we are all one check away from disaster. . . I am sorry for your friend's loss of job, house,and especially self esteem.
    It is hard to help everybody . . .especially when helping yourself is taking so much of your time and money.
    Ciao

    Anonymous said...

    Jenn, this is awful and I thought times were bad!

    I hope things take a turn for them.

    Anonymous said...

    How often I am reminded of the many things we have to be thankful for.
    May their lives be blessed and yours as well for being such a compassionate loving friend.
    Tc