Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

The last few weeks - A thanks and a request for prayers/good thoughts

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (1/22-2007 thru 12/14/2010) Donate to DU
 
The Straight Story Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:20 PM
Original message
The last few weeks - A thanks and a request for prayers/good thoughts
I would thank you all for contributing to DU and keeping it running (and thanks to those who couldn't but still come here and post and make this place a wonderful place to be).

I have shared my life here as much as I can, some things though I cannot and will not. But having been here 4+ years I wanted to take a moment to fill in my friends on where I went and why.

After moving back to Ohio I had hoped things would get better. They were starting to, and then it all went to hell. Living with a fundie dad is not easy. So the wife and I live with a close friend across the street who helps me to care for her and my little girl.

There were many days at work my baby would call me and tell me mommy was sick and she was scared and hungry, and I would have to leave work and take care of her. She saw her momma go to the hospital, try to kill herself, watch her suffer, etc. I had to make a choice - my job or my family. I chose family and moved back here where I would be around people I thought cared.

Dad and family cared, but wanted to control things (trying to force my daughter o go to Sunday school and us to church when my wife was too ill for example).

So we basically moved in with a good friend of mine across the street, he is able to help take care of the wife while I am looking for work (and when I get a job). From helping her to walk to the bathroom to walking down the steps.

------ This Week
I was so sick I went to the ER alone. I didn't want baby girl to worry about me so told her I had an interview. I was there 8 hours, scared and worried about what they would find. Too sick to even stand. I talked to a social worker as well about things going on. I had the flu and was low on potassium and dehydrated.

My doc put me on 7 prescriptions (from xanax to codeine to blood pressure meds, etc).

My little girl's kitties were staying at a friend's house down the street for a spell and she and I would go and see them for the night (he worked out of town). My friend finally made arrangements to move them here for her (he has a big dog and another cat, but wanted her to be happy). The wife gave them a flea bath but something went wrong and the cats went into bad shock and were dying (biting off their own tongues, etc) so my friend and I had to put them down. She still thinks they are at the vets and might be ok, will tell her this weekend about it all. I drove those kitties across country with two dogs and it was hell, they were her pride and joy. And she is only 7 and it breaks my heart that I have to tell her. I still have nightmares about it.

My job I was working in security got all screwed up - part time and by the time they took out insurance I had $2 left on my paycheck. Unemployment has been hell, but should all be worked out in a few weeks.

My dad has helped out some, but he is getting worse physically (he is 74). And now my wife is back in bed sick 90% of the time, I am trying to home school my daughter (she has separation anxiety right now and needs to see a counselor which I cannot afford), look for work, and take care of her day to day.

I have spent years caring for a sick wife, my daughter, and trying to please people I worked with (I used to run 3 major data centers which took up a huge chunk of time for 5 years). Now I spend a lot of time alone trying to find ways to just make a few dollars to get by.

All I want is the simple American dream, a little family and a place to call my own, to pay the bills, have food on the table, and make sure the ones I love are taken care of.

Tomorrow night I have to tell my baby her kitties are not coming home, I have to sit next to my wife in her bed and tell her I didn't have an interview today, I have to face the fact that the one person those two people love and depend on cannot fix all their problems like he wants to.

I feel like a failure. No matter how hard I have worked over the years it is for naught, the ones I love the most and that depend on me the most are left hanging.

Would that I could buy a beer tonight and kill the pain I feel.

Yeah, it will get better - but that does not help tonight.

So I come here to my friends and ask for some hugs and some love.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
proud2BlibKansan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:25 PM
Response to Original message
1. . . .
:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
alstephenson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:30 PM
Response to Original message
2. I'm so sorry for your troubles.
I hope things will get better for you and yours. Please hang in there!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Blue Diadem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:39 PM
Response to Original message
3. Sending you and your family hugs
:hug: :hug: :hug:

I hope things get better for you soon.


Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
poetsdream Donating Member (114 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:44 PM
Response to Original message
4. Prayer for protection
I send you my prayer that things get better and better and better

The light of God surrounds you
The love of God enfolds you
The power of God protects you
The presence of God watches of you
Wherever you are, God is
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:45 PM
Response to Original message
5. I wish things were going better for you
And I hope they do. The hope for tomorrow doesn't kill the pain tonight, like you said, but remember you aren't just a provider in terms of paychecks. You're a provider in care, in love, and though love doesn't pay the bills it keeps the fires lit to give you all the strength to go on. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, mate.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Window Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:55 PM
Response to Original message
6. (((((((((((((((( TSS )))))))))))))))
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
InkAddict Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:56 PM
Response to Original message
7. You got a friend...lots of them here, I'd bet.
and I'll pray for your family's health and unity. Don't be hard on yourself...you've done your best when you give so much of yourself for those you love, but please don't lie. As you've done here, tell the truth softly. Holding YOUR OWN FEET to the fire won't help them move in the right direction. Be deliberate, keep a grateful heart, and show your gentle strength as you make this journey.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Stuart G Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 06:58 PM
Response to Original message
8. We are with you..
One day at a time..we are with you......
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:02 PM
Response to Original message
9. If you get any other kitties down the road, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Edited on Wed Nov-19-08 07:05 PM by kestrel91316
PM me and I can send you the GOOD and SAFE flea control stuff. It's the least I can do.

:hug:

Things are always darkest just before the dawn. I've been there.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
The Velveteen Ocelot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:06 PM
Response to Original message
10. ((((((TSS)))))
:hug: :hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pacalo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:26 PM
Response to Original message
11. So, so sorry that things are so rough for you & your family right now.
You all are in my prayers.

:grouphug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
CaliforniaPeggy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:30 PM
Response to Original message
12. ...
:hug: :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wildflowergardener Donating Member (863 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:30 PM
Response to Original message
13. not a failure
<I feel like a failure. No matter how hard I have worked over the years it is for naught, the ones I <love the most and that depend on me the most are left hanging.

I don't know how I could have done all you have described. You are not a failure - where would they be without you if you've done all that trying to take care of them.

I'm sorry about all your problems - though I don't know you.

Meg
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
barbtries Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:31 PM
Response to Original message
14. oh, i'm so sorry
:grouphug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Mira Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 07:38 PM
Response to Original message
15. So sad. My heart goes out to all of you. Please stay in touch it helps you and us, too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Starry Messenger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:01 PM
Response to Original message
16. ...
:hug: Wishes for better things soon. Stories like yours are the reason we are all here, ultimately. Hugs to your family, too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
supernova Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:14 PM
Response to Original message
17. You're a good man, TSS
:hug:

And that's worth everything. It is the complete opposite of loser.

You are a hero. Don't forget that.

:hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
City Lights Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:17 PM
Response to Original message
18. I'm sorry things have been so rough for you and your family.
I'm practically in tears after reading your post. I'll keep all of you in my thoughts, and hope that your days brighten soon. :hug:

One for your little one, too. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
InvisibleTouch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:18 PM
Response to Original message
19. Wishing you well...
...and a quick turnaround on your luck. Wish I could do more than just send good thoughts, but I am sending good thoughts.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:43 PM
Response to Original message
20. We're holding you in the light, TSS
Thinking about you, and hoping things turn around soon.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
JerseygirlCT Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
21. ((((((((and many good thoughts))))))))))
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sweetroxie Donating Member (152 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 09:01 PM
Response to Original message
22. Please do take care
I feel so sad about your plight. I wish there was something I could do. But I do send you-and your family- my caring thoughts and prayers. Be well.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
skygazer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 09:06 PM
Response to Original message
23. You are not a failure - you are a man doing the best he can
I'm so sorry - I know nothing I say can make anything better but I sure wish I could take some of that pain. :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
I Have A Dream Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 09:56 PM
Response to Reply #23
26. You said exactly what I want to say, skygazer.
Nobody can do better than their best. Sometimes life just gets out of control no matter how hard we try. :(

TSS, I know that this will sound silly, but please remember to breathe. You've got way too much on your shoulders right now. You poor thing! :cry:

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SammDickens Donating Member (9 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 09:45 PM
Response to Original message
24. Hard times, trouble me no more.
I assure you that if you just accept these trying times as they are and keep working for better days ahead, those better days *will* come. You don't sound much like a man who believes in God, so I'll use another metaphor. It's just gonna happen. It's not God's will and it's not the fulfillment of Karma and it's not your fairie godmother returning from her sabbatical to the French Riviera. It's just that neither good times nor bad times endure forever if you keep on living and fighting. All your friends here are very sympathetic and want to do what they can. Others where you live will also want to help as they can when they hear your story and your determination to make things better. I ask you to only know, as I know, that if you keep fighting to get through and open yourself to the aid of others, these clouds too will pass. That assurance is all I can offer you. Some people in situations similar to yours are down for the count, and their lives will not get better I'm sad to say. But I have read in your words an inner strength that will see you through this ordeal and bring you to better days. You just keep doing what you can do, don't forget to stop and smell the roses, and promise your family better days. They are not too far away.

Samm Dickens
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
The Straight Story Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 09:52 PM
Response to Reply #24
25. I do believe in God
I just don't think God believes in me anymore...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Nov-20-08 01:15 PM
Response to Reply #25
29. That's ok. WE believe in you.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
The Straight Story Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Nov-20-08 04:22 PM
Response to Reply #24
31. Thank you and welcome to DU - I hope you find as much joy here as I have
There are many fine people here who have helped me through some of the roughest times of my life. I'd be lost without my internet home here.

-TSS
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
erinlough Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 10:06 PM
Response to Original message
27. My heart is with you.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Emit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Nov-19-08 10:11 PM
Response to Original message
28. Hang in there, The Straight Story -- one day a a time, one foot in front of the other
I will send you, your daughter and your wife good healing thoughts and best wishes. It's the least we can all do - I wish I could do more. With regard to your daughter, are there any community services she is eligible for through the city or county you live in that can get you/her a counselor? Sometimes services for children (especially when Mom and Dad are having financial difficulties) are available for free or on a sliding scale. Also, as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, I have been trained to always ask and refer folks who are ill/disabled to apply for Disability. Has your wife done that through SSI or SSDI? If not, I can give you some pointers.

I have a 7 year-old (and a 9 and 17 year-old) and I can relate with the kitten thingy. We lost four animals in the course of a year and a half and it was very traumatic -- the best thing you can do is what you are doing, it seems: talk about it, work through it, keep communication with your wife and child going. Maybe have a funeral for the kittens -- even if they are not around, you can have a memorial that your daughter can help plan and participate in. We did that with our kittens (who were eaten by coyotes and we did not have their remains.)

In general, for my crazy family (extended and nuclear), seems when things get shoved under the rug or ignored, problems fester and grow exponentially. When families go through tough times, love, hope, honesty, communicating feelings good and bad, etc. -- those are the best binders that see us through.

Take care of yourself.

Good wishes your way... :hug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Ranec Donating Member (336 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Nov-20-08 01:18 PM
Response to Original message
30. Yes, our thoughts are with you,...
:grouphug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
old mark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Nov-20-08 04:31 PM
Response to Original message
32. TSS:
Doing the best you can is the best you can do.
I have been in some difficult situations in the past with my wife's health, my own health, and a terrible work situation.
Please don't feel you have let people down - society has let you down and many more of us as well.
We were given unrealistic goals and expectations, then the game changed when we wre in the middle of it, and we are made to feel it is our fault that the world is different.
Continue to do what you can for your family, but don't accept the burden of guilt because you can't do more when no more cold be done.

All the best - hang on.

mark
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Fri Apr 26th 2024, 03:47 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (1/22-2007 thru 12/14/2010) Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC