This is my story...
I got a job with a company in the Securities Industry, working as a receptionist. I didn't make a lot of money but I got full time and benefits. When I first started this job, my sister came to live with me. She is five years younger and like night to my day. She was pregnant for the first time. One thing to know and remember about her is...she is basically in a word - USELESS. She doesn't really work, never takes responsibility for anything. I'm sure many of you know someone like that. Anyway, after the birth of her little girl (I'll refer to her as "BabyGirl"), they lived there for a few months. Even one of my sister's boyfriend's lived there. (not BabyGirl's father) Barely three months later, my sister left one Friday night and didn't return. She took off to the motel on the main strip in the town we live in. Her boyfriend was hanging out there. So here I was, 25 years old with a kid; a three month old kid. I tracked her down and asked her when was she planning to get her baby. She informed me that she just wasn't ready to raise a baby and she knew that I would take good care of her. Of course I was shocked, but what was I to do? I couldn't take that beautiful baby and leave her in a motel room with them, so of course she stayed with me.
Now I'm still at my job working as an administrative assistant to the office manager. Babygirl is now five and has been joined by my son (I'll call him "Jr"). Jr came along 3 years ago. His father took off three months into the pregnancy. To this day, his father has yet to see him. He does not provide support of any kind. I have moved back home with my parents. My father after working for a construction company for over 20 years was laid off when the company went out of business is now working with a survey company making much of nothing. My mother is out of work. Mom survived stomach cancer and a mild heart attack but due to the surgery for stomach cancer she has good and bad days, though more bad days than anything. It's hard for her to keep a job now (was laid off when a big company came in and took over and they got rid of all the long term and higher paid).
Basically, it's just my dad and I. I'm paying the same I'd be paying out on my own though I'd never be able to do it on my own right now with my credit like it is and with daycare expenses. We shop for groceries at the local Save-A-Lot which sort of saves money but it takes a lot to feed three adults and two kids. Mom's unemployment has run out and she is on her second try for disability.
I'm trying to keep a positive outlook but it's becoming increasingly harder and harder to do. The kids are growing every day and there is always some child related expense. I'm sinking further and further. This is why I'm trying the un-conventional approach to get help. Somehow, my good deeds will not go un-noticed. I pray that eventually, this barely making it will be over and I can stop worrying about my parents and worrying about how I'm going to make sure my kids have everything they need;to an extent.
Well...that's my story! If you'd like to donate a dollar or two, that's great. It is certainly appreciated. If you'd like to offer encouragement, it is equally welcome. Whatever you have to say or even if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer.