Family

I never thought I would be typing this message, but here it is. We are in a desperate situation.

We have to move since we are being forced out. Any prospective place would have to be first floor, or even better, a house. Kelly can’t climb steps because of her MS. And frankly, it isn’t easy for me. Too much metal in my body and a knee that needs replaced. The cost of rent has skyrocketed and we aren’t making any more money. It’s a bad joke and that joke is on me. I don’t even know what we can afford because our finances have been so bad for so long it’s all a total mess. This is going to be difficult for us since I’m sure we’ll have to pay first month and security deposit at a minimum. All I need to know is it will be a lot.

We have to store a ton of items somewhere in the meantime. We have a lot of stuff, mostly things that could probably be sold at a yard sale. But for now it has to be stored somewhere. That will cost money of course.

My truck needs work to pass inspection. I won’t even say how long it’s been out of inspection. Let’s just say I’ve been lucky so far. I have to get rocker panels fixed. I got an estimate from one of the best around and he tries to keep it as cheap as possible. $1000. Yes, I could blow foam in there and patch it up but I need this truck to last a few years. Also, I need all 4 ball joints. Another one of the best around gave me an estimate of $175 for labor plus the parts, so roughly $300 or so. I also need wipers and a gasket in my exhaust, but those things aren’t nearly as expensive. My point is it will cost me about $1400-$1500 to do all of that.

Kelly’s MS has caused us to have medical bills beyond belief. She can’t work, yet is still being denied Disability. She’s tried four times so far and been turned down each time. It’s a joke. So that means not only are the bills incredibly high, she can’t even work to help us. It’s so frustrating. If someone knows a way to get the Disability she completely deserves, please let me know.

Look, I get it. A lot of people know me and they probably think “Well hell, he has a decent job. What is wrong with them?” You are allowed to have your opinion. But if you were in my shoes you would see how bad it is. Our income need exceeds what I make, and that is just existing, not having or doing much of anything. No vacations, no going to an amusement park, nothing like that.

I currently took a loan out against my own retirement just so we could try to get ahead somehow, or at least get closer. I’ve borrowed from my sister way too much, and I believe she knows there is a decent chance I will never be able to pay her back. Kelly’s parents have helped a lot as well. Without all of them we would have been living in her car.

I’m not begging and I’m simply telling the truth. Everybody’s hurting financially, it isn’t just us. I guess I finally realized that I have given a lot of my time and energy to help others. I’ve helped raised many thousands of dollars for more causes and individuals than I could possibly remember. I suppose my ego finally came to the conclusion it’s time to swallow my pride and ask for help.

A place to live, a storage place, and help pushing her disability through would be a huge relief. Right now those three things are at the forefront of what we need.

Thank you for anything you can do. It all helps and we are extremely grateful.