Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

I came across this Facebook post and felt compelled to share it because it deeply resonates with everything our family has been going through:

As many of you know, we started a GoFundMe some months back to navigate the challenges life has thrown our way. If you haven’t already, you can read our full story here. But today, I want to share some reflections on what we’ve been through and the resilience we’re building, one step at a time.

“Just get a job. It’s not that hard.”

“Just get your husband on disability.”

“Just move to a cheaper home.”

“Just leave now, and we won’t put an eviction on your name.”

The reality is far more complicated. As 2024 ended, we faced the unimaginable. We lost our business, our home just days before Christmas, and, heartbreakingly, our beloved dog, Dozer, shortly after. In the chaos of moving, my husband fell and broke his shoulder in two places. This came on top of his ongoing medical issues – issues we’re still working to manage. To make matters more bittersweet, it was the first Christmas our oldest didn’t come home from college, as they were working hard to support themselves in ways we can’t right now.

Adding to the stress, the end of the year meant a health insurance transition. While we were grateful to secure coverage, the interim period left us in limbo. My husband received only a temporary cast for his broken shoulder in the ER. Thankfully, our new insurance is active, and I managed to find an orthopedist. But getting him to appointments is another challenge. My anxiety, which I’ve shared about before, prevents me from driving. I’ve never had a license and can’t imagine being confident enough to get behind the wheel. Thankfully, our son has stepped up and is working toward his license to help fill this gap.

Meanwhile, my husband’s prescribed insulin shots from his PCP haven’t been effective. Despite careful monitoring of his diet, his glucose levels remain dangerously high, often exceeding 300 in the mornings. Stress and pain exacerbate the situation. While we secured an appointment with an endocrinologist, the insurance change and the need to update his PCP added more complications. It’s a tangled web we’re trying to untangle.

As if that weren’t enough, a recent family medical scare shook us deeply. While they’re not entirely out of the woods, we’re cautiously optimistic about their recovery.

Through it all, we’ve been buoyed by the incredible support of family and friends. I’m endlessly thankful for those who reached out with whatever they could offer. Anxiety meds have been a lifeline, helping me keep it together. And my mom? She’s been our rock, urging us to “just pack up and come home”…and so we did. That was the one “just” we’ll forever be grateful for.

Now, we’re in a place where we have a roof over our heads, food to sustain us, and the space to catch our breath. It’s not an easy road, and there’s still a long way to go, but we’re moving forward. We’re focused on rebuilding, step by step.

If you have a moment, please read the Facebook post linked above and, if nothing else, consider leaving some encouraging words for others who are facing similar struggles. Your kindness could mean the world to someone.

And if you’re also navigating tough times, know this: you are not alone. There are resources and people willing to help. Keep going. There’s hope, even in the hardest moments.