Thursday, April 22, 2010

This American Life : My Family's Financial Crisis

Part One: My Story

These days are salt at the table. I am blessed and stressed both beyond expectation. My financial situation is literally hard for my mind to accept, meaning that when I try to hold the thought in my mind of how much money we owe and don't have and how much money we need and don't have, my mind moves in long circular, slippery loops so that I cannot view the image, process the picture. When I had the total 3 surgeries for Endometriosis ( Stage 4, 6cm. endometrioma on left ovary ) I had Blue Cross Insurance. Before my diagnosis, I had only pain, only an array of confusing symptoms that took me from doctor to doctor, test to test. As it began to dawn on me that something was actually wrong, it dawned on Blue Cross that they actually had to pay for whatever was wrong, and the 'rejection of payment' notices began filling the mailbox. An MRI rejection- thousands of dollars. I filed the paperwork, contacted my doctor, got his signature, etc, and that one- that one- was finally OK'd.

As I got sicker, more overwhelmed and run down by pain and worry, the tests increased and finally something was found- a large cyst mass on my left ovary- could be cancer, could not, the doctor didn't know: before surgery, another MRI, to decide. My anxiety disorder flew into the birds and eyes and beaks and I was destroyed in the bloody feathered mess. I also had hyothyroidism and a serious case of IBS ( which I 'cured' on my own with food and supplement ) From then on the surgeries and treatments were a blur, and the Blue Cross rejection of payment notices and the cost of consumer payments all added up to somewhere around 70,000$. Yes.

I had insurance and went into major medical debt. Between my husband's income and my own, we are not even lower middle class here in San Diego. We can't move, due to my stepson living here. We wouldn't move away from him, not an option. We are poor. I can't afford the $1,000 to file for medical bankrupcy.

I am moving forward. Mr. Curry can make more money, just not in this economy right now, but he will at some point. I am working furiously ( or was, before morning sickness, and when it abides, will be again ) on my novel and I think I've finally figured out a way to finish my math classes and have the AA and move toward the BA- I'm interested in speech pathology. But nothing we do is going to pay off that debt. I don't regret a single dollar, because in the end I found a specialist in San Jose who did 2 surgeries with me, and have not had any pain from the Endometriosis since then, until now with the scar tissue stretching in pregnancy. I also have not had the immense health threat of those unresolved endometriomal lesions in my abdomen constantly leaking hormones and dead blood, which has affects on women's health we still don't totally understand.

Part Two: Mr. Curry's Story

Mr. Curry grew up in a blue collar working class family where many of the men worked or used to work in the moving business, as movers, contractors, business owners, so it was a natural progression for him after we got married to pursue owning his own contracting business. He worked very hard just to get licensed, buying a semi, hiring workers, and passing a difficult test.Like any small business owner, he worked doubly hard once the business began, long, physically grueling hours coupled with the demands and responsibilities of a business owner: taxes, workers, customers, and the enormous and never ending paperwork that keeps you working after work. He was praised consistently by customers for his work ethic and professional demeanor. He always went out of his way to help a customer or cut them a deal- as well as with the guys who worked for him, to our detriment, at times.

About a year into his business ( Curry Trucking ) the tax laws were changed in a way that dramatically and fatally changed small moving business: the workers compensation taxes went up. They went way up. They went up so high that no one in the United States except for circus performers payed more Workers Comp. taxes than movers. They went up so high that suddenly, we had to choose between paying our bills or paying our taxes. We paid our heat and our light and our rent and none of those were extravagant at all- we lived fairly low to the ground and our cars payment was humble. We had one credit card.

Our mistake began here. We should have closed the business down immediately. We should have hired someone who would have told us Close your business down immediately. We should have done something else, besides what we did, which was hang in there not paying taxes- not hiding from the IRS but not paying them- and by the time 2 years later Mr. Curry hung his head and sold the semi and the business, we owed about 70,000$ to the IRS. Yes.

That catastrophic year for our family did us in. We went from being entirely debt free- outside our cars- to in more debt than I ever imagined I would owe in my LIFE. I had my surgeries, Mr. Curry had hernia surgery, I was in a car crash (my fault, stress and not paying enough attention driving) which totaled our mini-van, we lost our business, Mr. Curry's truck was repossessed for non-payment, and suddenly we had no cars, Mr. Curry was out of work, and we had no idea how we would ever survive.

Now...


Now every year the IRS takes our entire tax return. We have an agreement with them that we are 'on hold' to pay them back, which essentially means that we are too poor to pay them back, and have no assets they can claim, and so they sit and wait, and we sit, and wonder.

This is an avalanche of financial struggle I never thought would happen to me, despite getting pregnant at 19 and unmarried, I thought I would beat the odds- I was determined, going to school at night and working during the day. I can hardly believe or accept that this is real. Writing this out might help. I have a complete lack of ideas or creativity when it comes to dealing with this. Perhaps passive waiting is the best we can do, while we try to increase our income.


There is no way to end this on a happy note. It's a somber note of the financial reality for my family, which I am sure reflects more American lives than just my own. Although the stories are different, the hard work, confusion, anger and helplessness are not.
nicole said...

really fuck*^-in honest, thanks for that, in blogland where everything seems happy and rosy. I will buy your novel.

Maggie May said...

that would be awesome. thank you Nicole.

Amber said...

I'm sorry Maggie May...and I will also buy your novel :)

Alexandra said...

I'll buy your novel. And I'm sorry about all this uncertainty for you.

We've lost a lot this year, too. Both my husband and I lost our jobs a year ago. We went through lifetime savings so's not to lose the house. All the while keeping a cheery face for 3 little children.

Stress. In all capital letters.

We both just began working again, but now have to save and build up the savings again. At this stage in our lives.

I'm always hear to listen, and I can't wait for that novel.I'll take 2, please.

Maggie May said...

Thank you Amber!

Empress I'm sorry. That is a damn shame. It sounds like you and your husband did a wonderful job hanging in there for your kids. I hope for better days and more savings for you :)

Therese said...

I will also buy your novel!! I can't wait to get my paws on it. I am so sorry for you struggles. I know how crushing the weight of debt can be. It is so hard to find that light at the end of the ever-stretching tunnel. Sometimes we have to imagine it first. Wishing you a miracle while I await your novel.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

I'll be the first in line to buy your novel!

Trust me, I feel your financial pain. Both of us are out of work and doing everything possible to make money and keep our heads above water with the god-given talents we possess. Hoping to see the light soon ~

Elizabeth said...

Was it a relief to write it all down? I, too, have an enormous stressful financial story but I just can't do it -- write it down. I've thought, lately, that while my daughter's disability is damn hard, at least behind that stress is pure and abiding love. But behind financial stress is literally nothing but the jaws of I don't know what kind of demon. It's so awful. I've even started doing a prosperity meditation that sounds completely insane but it at the very least calms my brain down. Email me and I will send it to you, if you'd like. Otherwise, I will buy many copies of your novel. Hang in there.

Vashti said...

Firstly....I CANT wait for you to finish the book, I will be NEEDING a copy ;-)
Secondly....you are not alone in this. Today I could not take the kids to school as we have no money for petrol, taxi or bus!
We have no dog food to feed the puppies. No milk for coffee and no bread for breakfast. Had to go borrow some food for breakfast.

I know how you are feeling.

Today I feel like a failure as a Mum. My kids want cereal but I dont have any way of getting them any. They want to go to school but they cant go.
It SUCKS.
But I hold onto the fact that things can only get better.....right?

Oh God I hope so!

Loves.
xxx

PurestGreen said...

The state of the health system in the USA is truly appauling. I can't help thinking that if you had been in Canada, you never would have had all those health bills - it's that simple.

One more novel sold!

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

This post does not make me want to buy your novel, because I was going to buy your novel any way, since I love the blog and your writing. What this post makes me want to do is print it out and staple it to the behind of those tea-partier's at the Washington Monument who are convinced, and actually trying to convince others, that universal health care coverage is the death knell for freedom perpetrated by an Obama administration bent on imposing communism.

Sorry for the political outburst, but your story speaks volumes about the hole we have been put in by powers that see nothing wrong with a system in which people with medical insurance can be driven into medical bankruptcy.

Knowing the problems you're up against makes me admire your writing even more, Maggie May.

Anonymous said...

Not only will I buy your novel, I'll also promote it to my blog readers (a very modest list).

I live in another country far away from the US, but I have lots of friends in your country. And I've heard whispers and a few factoids about the state of your health insurance situation.

Reading what you've written here makes me so angry with your health care system! Ours has its problems, but everyone should have the right to affordable health care. No one should be put in the depths of debt just because they are sick. And insurance companies not paying bills because people are sick? That's downright diabolical.

I've got about $10,000 worth of personal debt, down from $30,000 (from a variety of mishaps and bad judgements on my behalf). I don't tell a lot of people about it because I'm a bit embarrassed that a single, smart woman who makes a decent living should have debt.

It's a slow process to pay it off. But I don't own a lot. I have no car, I don't own a house. I don't buy much in the way of new clothes and with every pay cheque (I was unemployed for 4 months last year) I do what I can to chip away at my debts.

I don't know what else to say. Debt sucks. A lot of debt, like what you're facing, sucks even harder.

But all we can do is keep moving, keep chipping away at where we're at. It's possible to get there, and I know you'll get there too.

Glad to hear that the bub is still sticking with you.

Mwa said...

That must be so stressful for you. I hope you can switch it off a little during your pregnancy. Head in the sand may not be the worst strategy for a while.

My scar from my ectopic pregnancy hurt like hell as well, to start with. They took my fallopian tube out. It stopped hurting after about four months, though, and now I don't feel it any more. I hope your pain stops as well. Of course you get other pains in return. :-)

Avo said...

For what it's worth, I too hope you can weather this out and come out on top...

POPPY FRENCH said...

Those medical bills are awful, everyday in England I am thankful that I only have to pay for the occasional prescription.
Will your bills get cancelled if free health care is brought into the US?
Do you agree with the health care reforms I know a lot of people do not want them which seems extremely odd to a lot of us in England.

michelle said...

Hard working people who do the right thing and still get screwed. It's not right. It almost happened to us too, but we were extraordinarily fortunate and were spared. But we were close.

Always thinking of you.

Lola Sharp said...

I am sending up good thoughts/energy into the universe for you and your family, Maggie. As always.

Unknown said...

I don't know what to say. I can't imagine the stress you must be under. I wish you luck in getting out from under this, and eagerly await your breakout novel :)

Jessica said...

Five years ago I was royally screwed when my employer switched insurances and I was greeted with "Denied: Pre-Existing Condition" at every turn. I really don't think I'd be alive if I wasn't a nurse at a University hospital where I had plenty of doctor friends that took care of me for free.

I'd be happy to purchase your novel.

erin said...

Ugh. Money money money. It's like a weight on our backs every day.

Jeremiah is a musician and I work freelance as an editor. I have a BA and it doesn't really seem to matter. Every time I go to an interview they're either paying $8/hr with no benefits for an editing position, or they're requiring 50 work weeks in a city an hour away from home. Blargh me.

I hope you get through this unscathed. I hope I get through this unscathed. I hope we all bask in the glorious rays of debt free again. (I have 5000 debt from my ex husband, thanks! and 8000 left on a school loan, jeremiah has 4000 in medical debt and 5000 left on a school loan).
Cathartic post though, it seems like no one ever talks about money online.

K Soucy said...

Maggie, I think running ads and using sponsers on your blog is a step in the right direction. You need to investigate your options further in this area. Your blog is rich and compelling and I'm sure many more followers will agree when they too stumble upon you as I did. Hang in there.

Marion said...

I'm so sorry you're going through all this. Is there no way you could file bankruptcy or get the tax debt lowered? It's a Catch-22, I know. Here in Louisiana, attorneys will let you file for bankruptcy without having to pay them up front. I would appeal the Blue Cross bill. Take it to someone higher up in their management hierarchy. I've had similar problems with them in the past, so I know how frustrating it is.

Yes, I'd buy your novel, too. Sending you good vibes and prayers for solutions to your problems. Hang in there, and never, ever, ever give up. Blessings!

Ms. Moon said...

And why in the world our country can't provide universal health care and why in the world the people in this country can't see the link between not having to worry about THAT and a better quality of life is beyond me.
Maggie. I love you.

Sarcastic Bastard said...

I'm so sorry for your troubles, Maggie. It must be unimagineably stressful.

Sending love (wish it was a big fat check, but I am poor too),

SB

Heather said...

wish i had some answers for you. but know that you are not alone.

Steph(anie) said...

It is pretty absurd that you have to pay $1000 to file bankruptcy.

Here's to a brighter financial future!

Anonymous said...

if i only could help you!!!
i will buy your novel, but how?? i don´t have internet at home. poor i am. i come to the library to listen to you, my dearest!!!!

my boyfriend is unpemployed and i´ll be unemployed in july. merde!!

lovelove
ánimo! you are not alone!!!!!
yolanda

S.L. Corsua said...

My jaw dropped, centimeter by centimeter, down as I read your post. I'm still... speechless and feeling quite rebellious at the same time. Because you are such a wonderful person, Maggie May, not only to those around you -- physically and in the blogosphere -- but most importantly, to yourself, because of your internal honesty. It burns a little, at times a lot, to know of particular instances when 'bad' things happen to good people. My prayers are with you. I hope for you.

Bethany said...

Gosh, this just horrified me. All the while you HAD health insurance and your husband was working his ass off. That's just insane and wrong. I'm so sorry.
Of course I'll buy your novel too, and make all the libraries in RI buy it...
I love your writing and your spirit.
I was so happy to see the bigger font. I've always had trouble reading the smaller one but felt nit picky saying something.
Thank you!
Hang in there. Good stuff and help has to be around the corner.

Kim said...

Maggie May,
Im so impressed with you. You know whats important in life. Even though you have financial worries, you also have the courage to bring a new life into the world. I have a one major regret in my life. I decided that I would not have a child until my house was paid off and I could stay at home with my child. Well, $10,000 before that goal my relationship ended. It took me 10 years to get over that and now just when the pain has subsided enough for me to think about another relationship, I have not eggs left. You have the things that are important to a happy life. Well thats my take on it. Sending you prayers

Maggie May said...

I can't express rightly how important these replies are to me, and how closely I hold them in hard times.
Thank you all.

Julia Christie said...

Maggie May,
So difficult to know what to say, because words aren't going to make this better. I am certainly down for a copy of your book!
You have my utmost sympathy - I wish I was filthy rich so I could just write a check to make it all better! We own our own business too and it is literally feast or famine from one month to the next. All the more difficult when children are involved and they are counting on you.

You have my positive thoughts and energy coming your way. Focus on that wonderful baby you are carrying and hang in there!

Lookingforward to reading your book!

Smiles of support

Unknown said...

okay, as a Canadian , the Health Insurance thing boggles my mind.

I don't have answers. And buying your book was already a given.

Nancy C said...

To echo the other thoughts...how people can rationalize their own selfishness and not see the honest-to-Pete HEALTH CARE CRISIS in this country is simply...astounding. Horrifying.

I was gonna buy your book anyway.

kristeneileen said...

MM:
I'm a first-time reader, myself a writer/editor, and before I get personal, let me join the chorus of voices praising your work. I can't wait to read more of your blog. Your style is lovely, even in melancholy.

I, too, have seen the hardest two years of my life rush by, slip through my fingers, all while bankruptcy, death, being laid off, death, husband being laid off, death, keeping happy face for 3yo son, death, having to move in with parents, death... just hit, one after the other after the other.

I have lost the illusion that we have any control over our current lives or that our original dreams will resemble our eventual lives. I understand the enormity being impossible to comprehend.

But I will say to you what my wisest friend has said to me: even in this, not one of us is alone. We are together in this, even in this crap, and there is something meaningful to that.

I urge you onward, sister. "there will be an answer... let it be"

xxoo,
@kristeneileen

anymommy said...

All of this on your mind all the time and still you show us your beautiful poetry, the fierce love you have for your children, beautiful pictures of random things.

This is a shocking and beautifully honest post, Maggie. I think it is a story that resonates with so many people. It reminds me that I am a couple of unexpected things away from extreme financial hardship.

I have absolutely no doubt that your novel will sell, and I will be the first in line. (That's despite the 30 or so people above me there, I'll elbow my way to the front.)

Caroline said...

I would buy your novel too, no question about it.

Somehow I have this feeling you are going to "make it" beyond your wildest imagination. Visualize that happening in your most stressful moments and hold on to that thought.

T. said...

Is it possible that the hospital(s) to which you owe could write off some of the bill? Last summer my 24-year-old son had a heart attack and lost his job, and the hospital picked up the remainder of the tab after insurance. We had to go through their process, of course, but it was worth it.

Our insurance industry is shameful and despicable, plain and simple.

May I suggest a book of essays based on your blog? (It's already written....)

A.Smith said...

Put me down for 20 copies. There is a lot of people in D.C. that should read your blog and I would be happy to invite them and to send them copies of your novel as well.
We are the laughing stock of the civilized world, Wall Street continues to steal from people and has no problem flaunting it and "justifying" it while decent, working people continue to suffer without jobs and health insurance.
My heart goes to you but you already know that.

Paula said...

Clearly you are not alone...

In one felled swoop our seemingly in-control-head-above-water lives spiral into desperation...
Ours came this week with a simple unresponsive air-conditioner and a visit from a repairman... 1 hour later a month's pay and entire savings is gone! It happens that fast... We have cool air again here in S. Texas, but also stress, arguments, tears, and everything else that comes from empty bank accounts... All for cool air. Is it worth it? Jury still out...

Catherine said...

Heh - we recieved an unexpected demand for £80-odd quid this morning and I felt physically ill, so what you must be going through.... We have student debt just sitting there, collecting interest, and I don't even think about it - our earnings have to get quite a bit above above the current paltry level before they start making us pay them back. It's just numbers to me, that particular debt, though I hope to pay it off some day.

Your health matters. Richard has had blood tests and an MRI recently and the question of what they cost hasn't even entered our heads, the NHS picks up the tab; it's bloody awful what's happened to you.

Sympathy!

Also, you're a bloody good writer. I know I'll love your novel, really looking forward to it. Then I can say "I knew her when"! x

Brigindo said...

The honesty of this post is so important. If I didn't realize it by reading the post itself, I certainly would have by reading the comments. The stories are out there..everywhere. We got caught in the beginning of the housing crisis nightmare and got out of it with a ton of debt. We've been slowly digging our way out. Others in my family are in the no job situation and still can't see clear to even start digging. Things may be changing on a larger level but most everyday folks are still struggling with what was dumped on us.

You will get to a better place because you have always done what needs to be done and ultimately that is what it takes. I hope writing about it can relieve some of the stress.

Unknown said...

How is it that one day we look at our life and it seems as if it belongs to someone else? last year after moving overseas to begin a new debt free life my husband lost his job less than 9 months later which saw having to crawl back to our home country with our tails between our legs, moving in with my parents and six months on he still hasn't found work. the worst of it all was that we were truly happy where we were! we thought we had really begun to make a life for ourselves after years of struggling with debt and being separated because of his work. thankfully, i have found work and we have just sold our house so we can begin to pay off the new debts we acquired trying to survive on 1 very tiny income while supporting our two beautiful girls. one of which has been diagnosed with asberger's this year. my writing keeps me sane, but i know how hard it is to be creative when you are crippled with stress. so, maggie, i do hope that you will be able to finish your novel. thank you for sharing, i love your honesty.

Millie said...

We are so lucky here in Australia, as we seem to have weathered the global finanical storm without too much pain. For once being isolated geographically was a bonus. You are strong dear MM, you will ride this bus with dignity & get to your destination. I always joke with MOTH that if push came to shove, I'd write for Mills & Boon. 4 novels a year at $70K. each would put us on easy street. It's just finding the romantic 'inspiration' at 54 that I reckon I'd struggle with.
Millie ^_^

Evangeline said...

Many years back my hubby lost his job and couldn't find a new one for a very long time. Meanwhile I had two sick toddlers on my hands. Our car broke, our fridge broke, our roof was leaking...the stress was crushing. And I would often think, at least we live in Canada and have health care...and even then I started crying in our pediatrician's office when she handed us yet another prescription we couldn't afford (the visits & tests are covered, meds are not). So I can only imagine the stress of this.

(buying your novel is a given, even if you had money coming out of your ears I would want it badly!)

krista said...

have you thought about doing an 'offer and compromise' with the irs? you may have to hire a tax attorney but if you just wait until it gets paid back, the back interest alone will swallow you whole.
email me if you have questions...i have family members who have been through this.
besides, i might need some information from you regarding endometriosis...i was "diagnosed" (sort-of) but at the very least am dealing with fibroids and ovarian cysts and i know you are the go-to for info regarding this kind of stuff!
xoxo

Beth said...

I wish I could help - I truly do. Finish that book and I'll be able to! (That medical debt just wouldn't happen in Canada.)

Petit fleur said...

My internet is acting weird, so I don't know if my original comment got through or not... so I will say again.

Our stories have many intense parallels. I so empathize with this post!

However, I know that once you begin to get your writing published and out there, your financial problems will be over.
I believe that with all my heart.
Keep breathing deeply,
xo pf

M said...

This is so honest, and so frustrating at the same time. I can't wrap my head around what is going on in this country that allows for things like this to happen to people.

I am going-on 23, with a degree, with no children, no spouse, and no responsibilities except car payment, rent, etc. and the financial crisis has touched even me. I'm no longer on my parents' insurance because I'm "too old" and no longer a full-time student. My job offers no benefits. The insurance I did have covered absolutely nothing. I found myself paying for lab fees and a bunch of other shit that my insurance company should have taken care of.

I was told I have HPV, and that I should have a scan just to make sure my cells aren't trying to assemble to create cervical cancer, and though I know that scan is important, I simply (and no one around me can) cannot afford it right now. Praise God that the job I will be starting this summer will have basic health insurance, but I just wanted you to understand that we understand your struggle.

It has apparently become a struggle for all, and all we can do is keep our heads up and keep praying for a resolution.

(Your forthcoming book was already sold with me--I'm a writer who wants to author a book one day, and people like you are an inspiration to me.)

Keep praying.

Sandi said...

Maggie-
I have been through a similar nightmare. I don't think there is a worse stress than MONEY!

I think you are amazing and though I don't personally know you, I feel like I do. I will say this again, I am an hour up the five if you ever need anything! You know how to find me. I will help you in anyway I can.

Magpie said...

Here's hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.

WarsawMommy said...

Goddamn. It makes my head spin...

If your book is available on Amazon, I'll buy it. I don't imagine it will be available in Poland, huh?

Cheryl said...

Yes, ditto light at the end of the tunnel. Your situation is something most people I know can relate too, including myself.

One suggestion, my sister raised about $1000 a few years ago just on bake sales and bake sale tips for charity in about a month. (Helps to have cute kids selling alongside you) Maybe you can try something similar to get filing for bankruptcy money?

It's hard, I know. As a creative, pour those feelings into your art, which I'm sure you already do.

Good luck and can't wait for that novel! Will take three of four please!

Yo said...

whoa. i came by way of mosey along, who i found on anymomyoutthere's blog.

and then i got lost in your sidebar. and then i got lost in the comments and forgot my own comment.

thank you for your honesty. your writing is beautiful.

Phoenix said...

Oh, honey... my heart aches with yours. I am so sorry. I wish I could say that I have faith that things are going to get better...but my faith is a little worn thin these days.

Still. I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo said...

I am hurt and angry and sad for what you're going through. Health care should not be a financial burden. And it is terrible how the odds are stacked against small businesses. My heart goes out to you, and to so many, and to my friends, family, and yes, even myself. I'll pray for better times for us all, and for good things to come into our lives to carry us to those better times. ....And, I'll get in line to buy your novel!
Much love.

Zip n Tizzy said...

All I can say is the state of insurance is f*ck*d in this country. It's responsible for the majority of foreclosures and if you don't have anything to foreclose on? Well, you're already screwed.

I too will buy your book without any prompting, just tell me the day, and like a few have already said, your day will come. You are beautifully talented.

Amy said...

Maggie, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have a hard time wrapping my head around our financial mess and I just try to focus on my beautiful little girl and accept that we are caught in horrible economic times and things will get better.

I can't wait to read your novel.

Something Happened Somewhere Turning said...

Hard times to be sure. Our insurance changed several months ago and it fell through the floor, but after some effective whining from hundreds of people, we were able to get it back. Not with out having to pay a higher premium though.
I can't believe that I take an injection once a week that has a cost of $400.00 dollars. Without insurance I would be unable to afford it. And yet it probably cost them less than a hundred dollars to make it and distribute it. I am taking twenty pills a day for a terminal illness and who knows how that will end. Some of these drugs cost $80.00 a month out of pocket. I am definitely blessed, but with the economy where it's at, it is only compounded by the fact that there are all the bills to be paid.
I feel for you and any other family in the same boat. The sad part is, what about all the people who don't have insurance?
I wish your family all the best.

Maggie May said...

Thank you for sharing your stories and your support.

Something Happened...I'm sure you've covered all your bases, but I was wondering if you'd looked into signing up for any trial studies?

Barrie said...

I am so so sorry that you and your family are caught up in this mess. It all just makes me see red. Especially the health insurance fiasco. xo p.s. I would be honored to buy your novel.

julie roberts said...

I'M 33 and just had a hysterctomy due to my ednometriosis. I was wondering what some you systems are with yours. I have been having weird symptoms that i think are cause by my stuggle with the disease and curious to see if you have and any "weird symptoms" as well.

Lisa Page Rosenberg said...

Sweetest MM,
Money problems suck as do health problems. So very been there.

Slap a PayPal button up in the sidebar of your blog and I will happily pay a fee to reserve a copy of your forthcoming novel. Betcha others would too. For real. I will think of it as an "encouragement fee."

xoxoxo

Menina said...

I would buy your novel. Your writing is too inspiring to be ignored.

I'm sorry things are such a struggle for you right now.

corine said...

Maybe it's time to self-publish. I'm doing it!

Sparkly Jules said...

Shit. I felt like I was reading my story (except the writing is so much better).

Can't find a job: check
IRS problems: check
Health issues and no way to take care of them: check
Mental illness: check

You're blog is going straight into my feed reader.

As for your novel--the publishing industry is changing. Check into self publishing particularly an enovel--you might actually make more than through a publishing house (who will only pay you 10% versus amazon 35% or B&N 30%. It's a whole new paradigm).

Be back soon.

Sparkly Jules

Stephanie said...

Oh girl, I feel ya. This American Life has my family by the balls too. We actually just said fuck it, and decided to stop paying our mortgage. Even if we sold our house and got out the "right way", we are loosing every penny we put into it the last 7 years. So screw it. We are OUT. Not playing this game anymore. Even if my income finally picks up soon, I am done with the picket fence and American dream.

That Uncomfortable Itch said...

I used to be a mortgage loan hostess for Wells Fargo and I quit at the peak of the re-fi boom. I was so saddened by so many folks living by a string and our system saying: BORROW MORE! That greed has brought down the lovely folks like you and your fellow tryiing to make an honest dream. Reading your post made me happy I left all that to the greed mongers. I am so sorry for your stress. You make beautiful words out of it all.

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