…sometimes you get a bunch of rotten, putrid fruit.

This is a tough one to write, but here goes. Deep breath in… Step aside, pride…and go:

What happens when a family of three (plus a dog) suddenly makes about $440.00 less per month due to my leave of absence?

We were doing all right at first. It was tight, but manageable. But then, our single car completely broke down, and we had to scramble to get a replacement vehicle. The purchase of the new car hurt us financially, but it was a necessity. We began leaking money each month. My EDD (Employment Development Dept.) checks were barely enough to cover rent. Some bills lapsed. Then others.

My wife, being the super woman she is, decided to enroll in school to become a medical assistant. The goal is to get a higher-paying gig. She currently works as a preschool teacher and goes to night school.

I got my first collection notice on an account this past week. I laughed at first. I thought, “Ha! Is THIS supposed to worry me? In the midst of all the medical bullshit? Yeah, right!”

THEN, to make things just a little more colorful, EDD is way late on my latest check. We’re over-drafted. A LOT. As in, okay, NOW I’m worried. I wish there was such a thing as an antidepressant for actual life situations. You know, something that dispensed reality in doses easy enough to handle, as opposed to this barrage of stress.

Now…you may or may not have noticed that Donate button on the top-right. I hate talking about money. I really do. But, damnit…I’ve been honest all along here. I can’t leave out a crucial part of my (and my wife’s) stress and worry.

I guess I’m asking for help. As much as it pains me to admit that we need it. Your donation will go towards insurance premiums, clinic co-payments, utilities, food, and gas. Thank you for reading. This sucks.

I don’t want to completely depress you, so here’s something probably many of us can relate to: