Enough Already

My daughter, her husband, and their three children seemed blessed. Good health, a personal drywall business that was slowly establishing itself. Then, well, here came the economic distress, and slowly, things began to stutter, falter, fall apart. I've sat back and watched their little stable life begin to deteriorate.

In early October, their power was cut off. Duke Energy wanted the full bill paid, which, of course, is policy, but in retrospect, seemed heartless. After going to several local churches, and aid agencies, they raised the $800+ dollars to pay the bill.

No, that wasn't enough. Duke Energy then said because it took them three weeks to pay the bill, they would need to establish a new account, in my daughter's name, and pay them an additional $225. as a security deposit.

Not an easy task, to be sure. We pitched in as much money as we could, and a few church friends helped as well. Okay. The difference was accomplished by some more love offerings, and taking things purchased for Christmas back to the stores for refunds (thank goodness they saved receipts).

Power was turned back on Wednesday the 28th, and they went home, after spending three weeks with family. As they pulled up in their driveway, noticed a letter tacked to the door.

Mortgage Company wants $1950 in ten days or they are to be evicted. This is not the actual mortgage payment due, as they are only behind for the month of October. This is "late fees" accrued since they purchased their home, that they never knew were due!

They have put in job applications every where they can get to, but the good Lord knows, they will need to make a car payment anytime now. They only owe a little over $500 to pay that loan off, so, please, let that not become an issue any time soon!

Can a marriage take all this stress? When will it end? And how cruel for children to suddenly be aware that any day they can wind up staying with Grandma and Grandpa, or their Aunt and Uncle. Three weeks spent already away from their toys and televisions and beds. They were excited to go home!

I called her earlier. My son-in-law was walking up the country road they live on, crying and feeling so useless. My daughter? Crying and feeling so powerless to stop this situation from getting worse.

How to help a family when circumstances such as this reach the point where they question decisions they've made, and dreams being dashed against boulders of despair. Years of hard-earned money re-invested in a home to make it bigger, prettier, more personal.

Prayer. God. And maybe some true, giving people. That is the only hope they have right now.