Hello and thank you for choosing to read my request. It is really a long story, and it breaks my heart every single time I tell it. I would like to say, before I go any further, I am not asking for something for nothing. I am 50 years old, mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. I’m a college student studying for my Associates of Science in Business Administration Degree and fully intend on acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. I am capable of a better quality of life, but I have found myself in a situation that affects many members of my family and there is a time limit that has put pressure on me in a way I am not prepared for
In short, I lost 2 job, my car and apartment while caring for my elderly father. His needs were demanding and his disposition was foul, nonetheless, this is what you do for your loved ones, so I moved in to care for him around the clock. I watched as he struggled to stay positive. He was trapped in a deteriorating body, losing his dignity, his hope for a future, his desire to go on. He was fearful of dying in a nursing home and he sobbed and pleaded with me to promise to let him die at home. I promised and he was so grateful. He played with our 3 kittens and I saw joy in his heart and the smile returned. Then he began to weaken and his attitude toward me changed. He was cruel, degrading me and blaming me until finally, he slammed a loaded pistol in my lap and told me to kill him. In a panic I ran. I returned the next day and found that he had severely injured himself. There was blood throughout the house. It was his feet. on foot had a bone sticking out. The other was deformed. He was crying and finally agreed to go to the hospital. His friend took him.
Less than 24 hours later, I was told my father was having many toes amputated and his kidneys failed. I was immediately evicted with my kittens and nothing more. No clothes, groceries, vehicle, job, phone, home or father. His friend said that my father gave him power of attorney and he would be selling our family farm, home and everything in it to pay for his residency at a nursing home. In shock, disbelief, heartbroken, angry, paralyzed with confusion and sadness, I spent the next 3 days reading everything I could about the law, Power of Attorney, sound mind, family law. I searched for documentation and talked to multiple law enforcement agencies and lawyers. I don’t know if I’m on the right path or if I’m doing the right thing at all, but I want answers. That is my father. The farm is my home. My heritage is within the walls of our house. My father had me promise to keep him home and now there may not be a home at all.
I got a text from my dad telling me I was an embarrassment and a failure. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve accepted consequences and gained wisdom from it. I don’t think my dad really feels that way, but if he does, that ugly perception of me is his image to live with (perhaps not for very long it would appear). I’m not a failure. I’m not a quitter and I will not stop until I find out what is happening to my Daddy. This is not what he wanted.
As of today, my two teens and I are sleeping on the floor of my sister’s very tiny two bedroom trailer. Her landlord said that if we don’t leave within the next few days that she will be in violation of her lease and is at risk for eviction. I have no other relatives or friends that are willing to take me in and the shelter is currently full. We are in a rural area outside the city. It is too far to walk, there is no public transportation this far out of the city and without money, I can’t pay for Uber or a cab or even pitch in for gas. Times being what they are, money is the only thing that matters.
To summarize, I was unlawfully evicted by someone who supposedly now speaks for my father and is in control of every part of his estate. My father is dying, without family and alone. I’m in the process of finding out if the things that have happened over the past 10 days is really what my father wants or if he is being manipulated. I’m trying to find a home for my children and me, a vehicle, a job, and keep my grades up. In the midst of all of this, I am also trying to care for three of the sweetest kittens in the world and replace our belongings all the way down to our toothbrushes. This downward spiral started 10 days ago when my father grabbed a gun. I don’t know how much time he has left because he will not return my calls. My sister’s home is at risk and time is running out.
I ask, with all the humility I can muster, for a hotel room for my 2 children and me for at least a month, but two would be better. I’m exhausted and if I want to save my family, I have to alleviate one of the biggest issues…we need a safe place. I don’t want my children to think that caring for others would have negative results like this did. I don’t regret it, but I don’t want to expose my kids to any more negative situations. They need to be teenagers. They do not need to be burdened with worrying with me. I need to rest my mind and my body so that I can continue seeking help for my father while looking for a job, car and home. I should have my income tax in the next 3 or 4 weeks, and I fully intend on being employed again soon. If I am in the city, at least I have a fighting chance at getting a job or two and we can utilize the amenities provided to the public like transit, food bank, workforce, etc.
I do not give up. I don’t want to let my children think that “begging” is the answer either. I want them to understand that help is there for those who need it but are still continuing to work for better things. I want them to understand that you don’t give up on family even if it appears they have turned on you. We don’t have answers and I will not stop until we do. In the meantime, I must be gentle with myself and I need to rest. I talk myself back into the light but it is getting harder everyday…yet I keep going. I cry when no one is looking…but it I fear without rest and a hint of security for a couple of months that I may slip and I may break. I’m only one woman. I am exhausted and I am so scared I can barely breathe. If you can help, please consider me. My family is depending on me and unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be in my stars to be the hero this week. I pray that time doesn’t run out before I do.
I know things will get better in time. With your help, things could start to turn around. Sometimes, it just takes one good thing to get the ball rolling. Thank you for sticking with me and reading my story. Blessings to you.
Lainie Marie
https://www.paypal.me/lainiemaries