This community I’ve built has been so incredibly generous to me over the years. Part of me feels I don’t deserve to ask for another thing. But I am facing desperation and I don’t know what else to do.
I’ve had a rough couple of years. First, my beloved corgi, Otis, passed away. Then my mom’s health took a turn. I had to take care of her all on my own. And eventually, COVID took her from me. Then my dad’s body began to fail him. I had to be his full-time caretaker. I had to watch his body and mind slowly deteriorate until he finally passed away in March.
I wish I could just take some time to mourn my parents and heal my soul…
But life decided against that.
We tried to make plans so that I would be taken care of after my father’s death. That I would be able to stay in our family home for as long as I desired. But those plans are falling apart at the moment.
Lawyers and probate and debt collectors, oh my.
There is a chance we can get everything sorted, but all indicators show that it could take a while before that happens. Possibly a long while. And my disability payments aren’t even enough to cover the mortgage–much less all the other bills and expenses.
I need to buy time.
Literally.
I need to extend my financial runway long enough to get things sorted. The longer that runway, the better the chances are I can figure all of this out.
I need time to sell all of my parents’ valuable belongings. I need time to fix up our very large separated garage so I can rent it out as a workshop or storage. I need time to fix up the house so it is suitable for a roommate. And I need time to work with social security so I can possibly find financial independence for life.
Unfortunately, without that time, I could face homelessness. I’m sure I could find a place to stay for a while, but I would lose the only home I’ve ever known. The home my mom and dad spent a lifetime fixing up and perfecting. The place in this world I feel most safe and comfortable.
I’ve already lost so much recently. I’m not sure I could bear losing my home as well.
If I lost my home I’d probably have to live on couches for up to two years until government housing was available. And then I’d have to spend the rest of my days in a small single room apartment. I know there are people who would feel lucky to have that, but I’d really prefer to stay in my house if possible. And I don’t think anyone would blame me for wanting that. Especially when all I need to make that happen is a little time.
So I am asking all of you to help buy me some time.
Every $1200 equals another month I have to sort things out. I honestly don’t know how much time I need. I would hope 3 to 6 months would be enough. But the wheels of bureaucracy can move frustratingly slow. So the more time I have, the better the chances are I can save my home and secure my livelihood.
First, I just want to thank everyone immensely for being so generous. Before I posted this fundraiser, my anxiety was telling me that no one would contribute and that I should just start looking for Section 8 housing. Anxiety loves to lie. And it is always so convincing, no matter how outlandish that lie is.
As I refreshed my browser again and again and again, I couldn’t believe just how amazing my little community was. I found myself crying each time the amount jumped up.
I originally picked a goal that was the absolute minimum amount I thought I would need to figure all of this out. I was really worried about seeming greedy and asking for too much. But friends and followers have advised me to increase my goal. So I picked the amount that would 100% guarantee I would get to keep the house. I don’t want to share all the details publicly (feel free to message if you have questions), but that amount would be 12 months of mortgage payments plus fundraising fees.
I’m not expecting that much. It’s totally okay if I don’t reach that goal. There is a decent chance I already have what I need to sort things out. But being 100% certain would probably help me get some sleep at night.
I am so grateful for you all. I wish I could hug you all personally, but for now I’ll just have to do it digitally.
Just wanted to reblog one more time for the evening folks.
Getting super close to a year of mortgage payments!
I just keep feeling all of these layers of anxiety melting off.
