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Part 4 - "I Wasn't Supposed To Be Here"
I've heard of catastrophic events happening in people's lives before. I could have never imagined how devastating it could be - but I've lived it and it ain't pretty!
I knew I had to make a decision about my situation. I sat in my home office and laid everything out on my desk:
**** $250K in medical bills
**** Living in a $300K house
**** Savings - Gone
**** 401K - Gone
**** IRA - Gone
**** Job - Gone
The next day (it was a Thursday), once I was able to get the swelling to go down and open my eyes enough to focus, I began taking pictures of everything in my house. I sent out a mass email that included the pictures announcing my moving sale that would take place that Saturday. I kept my art, my crystal, my pictures and all of my cookware and linens (I'm a cookware and fine linen junkie). I also kept a few pieces of antique furniture that were gifts along with my prized CD collection and stored all of it in Phoenix. I stayed with Benetta once again to prepare for my trip.
I used the money I made from the sale of my items to settle a few bills and get my car serviced to make the long trip. Once I was done with that - I had $200 to my name. I had one last thing to sell that I hadn't parted with during the sale - My CD collection. I was able to rip most of them into my computer, but ran out of space on my hard drive. I think this broke my heart more than losing any of my other possessions.
On September 4, 2007, I loaded up the car with my clothes, computer and my dog Kemet and hit the road. I pulled into Rochester on September 8th.
Most would understand that my transition back to Rochester hasn't been too easy. Sometimes I stop and think of the enormity of my past situation and I immediately well up with tears - I can't control it! It's getting better though - not as frequent.
So here I am - July 3, 2008. I work two part-time jobs (about 50 hours a week total), I'm currently making 1/3 of what I was making in Phoenix, and I live with my Aunt and Uncle. I'm actually not stressing about the money too much - yet. I really enjoy both of my jobs and it's giving me the sense of accomplishment and keeping me busy.
Now that I have all of that out of my system and getting off the couch for the last time (it's been a pretty emotional week for me re-living all of this and sharing it with the world), I really don't know how I should close. I've second guessed myself all week about being vulnerable and sharing such a personal story. It has been therapeutic and I thank my friend (Dre) and my Pastor (Marlowe) for talking me into telling my story.
I know I said there would be 4 parts to this blog, but I need one more. I don't want to leave without sharing what I've taken away from all of this. I'm taking a break and will be celebrating the long weekend with friends and family. Have a safe holiday weekend.
Monday - Part 5 - "What Have I Learned?"
Write the Dean's List at: thedeanslist1@gmail.com
