"...It could be worse."

    I did it again.  Missed the mortgage payment on my parent's home.  Years back, my parents were neck deep in the soup; their landlord was going to throw them out because he wanted to sell the place.  My four siblings and I chipped in and bought it in a trust to whom my parents pay rent.  The trust doesn't make money and was created only so that we could buy it and assure my parents that they'd never be homeless.  I'm the eldest son, so I'm the trustee responsible for making the mortgage payment.

     This arrangement was fine until I became disabled and along with pain and the other junk that comes with fibrosis and arachnoiditis, my memory became spotty.  Sometimes I boot the payment wide right.

     Today I made the late payment by phone thanking the bank's representative for their understanding.  I had to explain my sob story-fights with my disability carriers, time lags with social security...blah, blah, blah.  Chronic pain...blah, blah, blah.

     The rep was very patient and sympathetic telling me that the bank would work with me in many was I wasn't aware of.  I thanked her and said I'd get in touch if I needed more help. I ended by saying, "I don't know how people do it who haven't got this crummy disability."

     She paused then said, "They do what I did.  I survived cancer, but we're bankrupt.  We were homeless...

     ...don't give up. It could be worse."

Comments

[Lord Matt]

That's an inspiring story. It reminds me that no matter the appearence you never know why sympathy, hope and secret angels work for you.

(I hope I got the e and l the right way arround)

[txdave]

Great story, well written and interesting.

You are among the many brave people out there doing more than many and with greater burdens.

Keep up the good work.

dave