SORRY

I have been MIA, because of terrible depression from being out of work since 12/3, and not being able to beg, borrow, or steal a job.  Not being able to provide for my wife and even my grown children has been such a blow and effects me more and more every day.  As you know, to top it off, my mother fell twice and hardly able to walk.  After several weeks, did find out she had cracked her pelvis.    Stayed with her twice for several days at a time, but thinking about my wife being sick herself at home.  She had an echo cardiogram to see if she was in congestive heart failure. So I was worring about my wife when I was helping my mom, but worring about my mom being alone when I went back home.  We also moved across the border during all this time.  I have been on what seems to be a 2 month stall, which has really hacked me off, and had stopped going to church -- just withdrawing altogether.  Talked with Sherry some (thanks Sherry), and told her I didn't want to post because I didn't have anything worthwhile to say.  But, still lurked.  I have been trying to claw myself back, and has been a VERY difficult road.  After a kind but firm butt chewin from my pastor,I have been getting back to church as my main effort to claw my way back.  It is helping.  Have also had some very good news lately now.  My wife's test came back and her heart is in normal range.  Because of moving back to Oklahoma, she was able to have her cortizone shot in her back, which has helped her alot.  My mom is finally feeling better and getting around easier, so appears she is finally on the mend.  No job prospects yet, but still trying.  Found out today that our mortgage company has accepted our application for a short sale, which means they will accept less than what is owed on it and not affect our credit.  We owe approximately $10K more than what it is currently worth.  We can now put it officially on the market Monday at the reduced price.  I have realized that I am SUCH a whiney be-yatch.  GEZ!  I act like I am the only one being effected by this economy.  I still have so many blessings.  We are not living in a car or in a homeless shelter; my wife's health and my mom's health are getting better; I will come out of my stall; I still have my family that I adore with all my being.  I love you guys.  Thanks for your concern and prayers.  They are working.  Michael 

Michael, I had no idea you where having to deal with so much.  I'm so sorry. I'm glad you have a great pastor to chew on you when you need it! I will add your job search to my prayer list.

Michael:

I am sorry about all the hardship, but glad that your wife and mother are doing better. I know it's tough right now, but keep your spirits up and things will improve - always try to stay positive, even though I know it's hard sometimes. Good things do happen to good people and I know your are a great guy! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....Anna

Oh Michael, I am so sorry to hear about all of the hardships you have been going through.  I too have not been posting for many medical reasons with DH.  You are a strong person and sounds like you are already on the upside of things.. Hang in there, and please know that our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sheila

Michael, I am so happy you have decicded to post again.  We need each other to make this journey successful.  I am so sorry you are dealing with so many major issues all at once.  It does sound, however, that things a looking better at least on the health front.

Your weight stall- stress can make it more difficult to lose weight due to all the cortisol in your body.  You WILL lose again.  Look at how much weight you have lost in such a short time!  Hang in there!  Keep posting.  Come back for support from all of us that care about you.

Muffin!!!!!!!!!!!!  It's been way too long and I've worried about you!  If it was just a butt chewin you needed, why didn't you let me know?  I specialize in that area!

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you've been going through.  Remember that a job does not make a man!  What's in your heart and soul make a man and you have that in spades!  You are such a kind guy so please keep your chin up and know that this too shall pass and that you are loved here by your OH family.

I'm so sorry to hear about Momma Muffin.  Why in the heck didn't they figure out what was wrong with her earlier??  Crazy!  With all of our medical technology, that shouldn've have happened.

I know you're busy taking care of Mrs. Muffin, Momma Muffin and the Muffin-ettes, but please don't forget to take care of the Main Man Muffin.  Make yourself a priority too.  Happycat is smart and right (don't tell her I said that) in that stress can cause weight gain.  And being depressed is enough to deal with and makes it hard to concentrate on diet and exercise.  Remember, this is a marathon and not a sprint.  You'll get there!

Have you sought help with the depression?  If you are not on medication, you should be, in my most humble opinion.  You have a lot on your plate and there's no shame in asking for help.

I'm so glad you have posted.  The board is not the same without you and we've missed you so don't go away?  K?

Oh, two more things:

Don't apologize!  Geez!  We understand better than anyone, I think...

You really need to change your avatar.  This is pre-op Muffin and was a long time ago!  Just sayin....

I am so sorry for all you have been through. The job situation is enough without adding on the other stressers. My husband has been out of work for quite a while now and was in much the same situation as you. We were BOTH depressed over it. We finally found a way to make his unemployment work for us. We are happy for the blessings we have had, and it sounds like you have had some of those too. Prayers do work, and I will keep you in mine.

I was wondering why you hadn't been posting I know how hard things are right now and we can hope they get better. I am happy your wife nad mom are in better health kmow that will take away some of the things on your plate. I will pray for you . good guys to finish last.

Michael I am so glad you shared your heart with the board. It allows all of us to be specific in our prayers for your life. You need this group for support and encouragement just like we all do and we need you to be a part of it. We all love you, Dessie and your whole family. We care about your life and what you are going through.
You are going to get back on track soon. I honestly feel that you have done so well that your body is taking a break to adjust right now. It will happen though and soon. You have also been under enormous stress. That is alot for anyone to take, so don't kick your own butt about any of this, you are doing the best you can. Your right in that things are beginning to fall back into place and I am sure the rest will soon. We love you Michael!!

Sherry