The next few weeks

[MCBCON]

I have mentioned that we will have to move out our house we have lived in for the last ten years.  The next two weeks will be quite emotional, difficult to deal with. The bank will be taking ownership of our house and we have to vacate this place.

All the MS symptoms and the effects on my family will be painful for all of us these coming weeks.  We have purposely left some of the moving tasks till after Christmas just to make the holiday a bit more enjoyable.

Our friends and family are for the most part being good to us.  We will be moving in with two sets of friends with my youngest son living with close friends of his; my wife and I with some other fiends.  My oldest son will be back at college.

Until an apartment of our choosing is available we  will live in this separated manner.  As soon as an apartment is arranged we will all rejoin as a single family unit.

[MCBCON]

We worked on packing today.  But, I would have wanted to make more progress.  I think our fatigue and the fact that we really do not want to move our stuff slows us down quite a bit.

[MCBCON]

Jen,

I am deeply religious which leads me to be certain no one should take my advice on the subject of religion.

Michael

[jensequitur]

This will be a very difficult time for everyone - I can't imagine what you're going through!  It just sounds horrible.  Are you church-going folk?  Some churches have counseling services, and help families through these situations.  My father's a pastor, and will go out and visit folks that need it.

Personally, I'm an atheist, but unfortunately there aren't a lot of charity services out there that offer counseling in a secular format.

[Sumanadevii]

My sons have had to step up to the plate because their father is unable to do household maintenance.  Not that he isn't willing.  He just doesn't have the skills.  I did all those things.  In fact, our home needs new paint outside this year.  I have divided the house between my sons, friends and family.  Each has their own wall.  One of my DIL asked if they could choose the color for each of their walls..lol

It is hard to ask for help and I try to limit how much I ask.  However, if they know in advance and given it to be done in their own time, I usually get what I need from them.  For instance, the house painting will be done in April and May.  During that time period, I don't care when they come to work on their wall.  They can do two hours and return in two weeks...Just so it is done by the end of May, I will be happy.

I always have foods prepared in the freezer to take out for both the veggies and meat lovers.  I have favorite drinks on hand.  They are fed and watered as needed...lol...But this house is huge and old.  It would cost a fortune to have it done.  Plus, the boys need to feel needed too.  It is part of being a family.  Your sons get more than you know by giving and doing for you.  It is a life lesson.  Trust me on this!!!

[MCBCON]

Thanks Lulu,

My son's school is in fully aware of our situation and they are being quite helpful.

[Lulu54]

It can be no consolation to you to know that you are not alone in this type of nightmare - these foreclosures are happening all over the country at alarming rates and to a variety of people.

If your younger son is school age, please let the principal/teachers know of the changes you are facing.  They may be able to help with extra resources or even sympathetic ears for him.  

Your friends are stepping up to help because they see a need and probably understand the situation more than your own family.  It often takes someone on the outside to see the whole picture.  Regardless of the reason, I am grateful to your friends for their efforts.  

Pace yourself and please don't forget to be kind to yourself and your wife.  You both deserve lots of extra hugs with what you are facing.

and here's an extra hug from me, Lulu