So one thing I have found since we have started having financial trouble is how wonderful family can be. Obviously, we love our families and feel supported by them but going through all of this has made us that much more thankful for everything our families have done for us.
When we moved from Arizona to Texas, we had no jobs and three homes in Arizona that we were struggling to pay the mortgages on. Luckily, my dad allowed us to stay in his basement with our two dogs (boxers) and two cats. That is a lot of animals. Add in the fact that my brother lived there as well with his two cats and, whew, we were always around some sort of furry creature.
We lived there rent free for about a year and I cannot tell you how much that helped us out financially. Not only financially, but our relationship changed a lot as well. It is strange to go back and live with your parents and siblings once you are an adult. The dynamics are so different. It was great for us though. I feel closer to my brother than I have ever been and so does my hubby. They have a bond that they never would have had had we not all lived together. We always had tv night and we would watch our favorite shows together. It was really nice and I actually really miss that. We were also able to spend time with my dad that I will always treasure. Kevin and him became very close as well during that time period which is so nice. Kevin was able to see the dad and know that I have always known. Obviously there were hard times, but overall it was so nice and I would not take that time back for anything.
Once my hubby got a job in the DFW area we were able to relocate but we still did not have a place to stay and no money since my husband had not started his job yet. Luckily, my mom allowed us to stay with her until we got all settled and squared away. Did I mention I was pregnant during most of the time I was living with my mom or dad? Talk about strange dynamics. When you are married and pregnant you are definitely not generally living with your parents. We had plans, but they did not work out in the way we expected them to.
That is the great thing about family. At least my family. I know that my parents had opinions about the decisions we were making but they would always show concern but in the end let us make our own decisions. I am so thankful for that. We have made our mistakes and our parents could see it, but they let us do it and never said, "I told you so". For those of you that know me, I am a VERY stubborn person and trying to convince me to not do something will generally make me do the opposite. I am not saying that is a good trait but I like to prove people wrong. That is why my parents let me make those mistakes. I have made them and now I have learned from them.
My parents have helped us out so much and that is invaluable. When my son needed new shoes and I was not sure how I was going to afford them my mom bought them and brought them over. If it was a change of seasons and my son had outgrown his pajamas, don't you know grandma had gone and purchased some without me knowing. None of this is stuff I ask for, they do it because they know we are struggling to get to a better place and want to help out in any way they can. This time, I feel like we are on the right track and they will not be disappointed when we come to them and say," WE ARE DEBT FREE!!!"
We could not do it without our parents and we will forever be grateful to them. I can only hope that we can be as awesome and understanding as my parents have been.
