I Need Some Help
By CatsandDogs
@CatsandDogs (13963)
United States
May 21, 2008 9:49am CST
Let me explain, my dad is 35 minutes to the north of me, my mom is 45 minutes to the south of me in a long term rehab hospital. Dad comes to my house to get me so we can ride together to see mom every day to help boost her spirits. With the mounting medical bills and the cost of gas is really killing us. I've had to use the credit card a few times to make it.
My husband had to buy a decent outfit for his mother's funeral which cost just over a $100. which was an hour north of us. He was already there when she died but didn't have the clothes for her funeral. Heck he didn't have anything for a funeral at home either so he had to buy something somewhere and luckily he found something at Walmart cheap.
I've already put out two jars explaining out situation on the jars which is taped on and so far we've recieved $10. total. I'm so grateful for those who've helped!! Trust me!! It's so amazing how people care for others in need!! However, it's not enough... like I said, with the mounting medical bills and gas to go see my mom.... we just don't have it. My dad is on social security, my husband is on disability. I've tried to get a job at the hospital where mom is but the position was filled.
Does anyone know how I can raise more money? I'm in dire straights here and any "good" suggestion helps! I've had one suggestion from a friend that since mom goes to church to ask them to take a collection up for her so I will do that. Anybody else have any idea's?
5 people like this
15 responses
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
21 May 08
Oh Terry sweetie... I'm sorry you're having problems especially of that magnitude. I wouldn't ask you or anyone else in your situation for help because it would be like asking me for help when I don't have it either. I still love ya though!! lol Hope things get better for you as well!
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
21 May 08
Sweetie I have no Idea apart from suggesting doing Sales but I know what I will do and that is when I get my Payout here I will send it to you which means I will have to ask for your Email Addy
I think you need it more then I do right now
You need to keep seeing your Mum I can always get by without it
I know it is not till the 15th June but I hope that it will help you
Love and Hugs
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
21 May 08
Gabs, you're a real sweetheart!! I'm soooo glad you didn't leave mylot!! I'm still working on that darn star of yours because you deserve the perfect 10!! 
I sent you a pm please read it....
GardenGerty, I wish he could stay with me but he can't because he has fur babies of his own to care for. Mom loves her cats and dogs plus her fish. It would be cost effective for him to stay with me but it's just not an option. Good idea but it won't work. Thanks!
I sent you a pm please read it....
GardenGerty, I wish he could stay with me but he can't because he has fur babies of his own to care for. Mom loves her cats and dogs plus her fish. It would be cost effective for him to stay with me but it's just not an option. Good idea but it won't work. Thanks!3 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
21 May 08
Wow, I am sure it is quite a mess. How long do you have before you are in real trouble? There is a website where people can make donations to you. I will try and see if I can find it again. A friend from here used it once.
2 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
22 May 08
The website is https://www.fundable.com. I hope it helps. Good luck to you.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Well, we're not in dire straights just yet because of donations some have made which will keep us going for a few more days however, then I'll be back to using the credit card once again because nothing is going to stop me from seeing my mom because it boosts her spirits so much which helps her to heal faster. Did you find the web site yet? Thanks for looking for it!!
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
21 May 08
I do not know how immediate this would be, but you are already writing online, write for sites that will pay you for your content. It takes a bit to build up, but I understand that pretty good money can be had by doing so. I have one link I would send you if you are interested, as I know I am earning there. Actually I have other links, some just pay in gift cards, but every little bit helps. Also, if you are interested in doing some contract labor, maybe in the town where your mom is in the hospital, sign up for NARMS.com--it is a site where you can get merchandising and sampling jobs, as well as mystery shopping jobs. Good luck, I hope I am of some help. I just found out that my contract is getting non renewed next fall, so I have one month's worth of insurance, and that is all I was keeping the job for, actually.
3 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
21 May 08
I don't have a good imagination to know what to write about so that idea is out, the selling and such is out because I have too much to do as it is and don't have the time to put into that. I'm taking care of my parents house, their bills, shopping as well as my own household and trying to see my mom too. It's a good idea but if only I had the time to put into it. Thanks for the ideas though. Bless you!! ((((hugs))))
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
21 May 08
Oh Honey I can see how difficult it is for you guys right now and wish this silly brain of mine would work so that I could think of some way of helping! I think the church is a good idea and I feel that it is rotten that that job was already filled! If I can come up with anything I will let you know - meanwhile I will be keeping you in my heart and prayers xxxx
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Awww thank you mummymo!! I only want help from the ones who CAN help. I don't want to put anybody out of anything. It doesn't serve it's purpose to put someone else in trouble so only the ones that CAN help is who I'm looking for. Not this weekend but next weekend I'm hopeing to have a yard sale to help raise some money that way. Every penny helps!! Thanks for your kind words sweetie!! ((((hugs))))
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
21 May 08
I will pray for an open door for you..I know that He has something planned..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
22 May 08
Here is the link to the discussion..It is way cooool, I haven't used it yet, I may tonight though, at a loss of what to make for supper, again..
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1524661.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1524661.aspx@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Thank you!! He does have something planned and it's all unfolding as we speak... there are so many people out there that are reaching into their pockets and pocketbooks finding that loose change and sending it on to either my dad or I. In time it'll find it's way here or there. Thanks so much!! BTW, I love your dog!! What a beauty!!
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Oh.... do tell the site!! I'd LOVE to learn new reciepes!! That's way cool!!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
22 May 08
Well, one thing you might do is contact some of the Local News stations and make a plea needing help, and letting people know where your jars are, and also contact some of the agencies who help out with Financial situations and explain to them about your Mom being sick, and such and see what happens from there.
Also you might consider doing some more jars and putting them some more places if places will let you, and see if that brings up any more $$, or find an orginization or such who might do a Bake Sale or something for you as well.
I feel for you, as we have been there Medically and it is hard especially in todays economy. Will be Praying for you and your situation, and wishing you the best.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
I've thought about contacting the local news and see if they could help, thanks for saying that, now I know I'm NOT crazy... lol I had asked the neighbors to save their jars for me to use as I did with the two stores. One of the jars I got from my dad. lol Bake sale is another good one and I plan on having a yard sale not this weekend but the next in hopes that'll raise some more money. Thanks a lot!!
@lingli_78 (12821)
• Australia
22 May 08
i'm so sorry to hear about your difficult situations CatsandDogs... it is so sad when we don't have money to pay for our medical bills... can't you go to the government and ask for help??? i know here in australia the government will definitely help with the bills for those poor, disabled and people on social security... so may be you can try that as well on top of asking for collections from the church... good luck, take care and may God Bless you...
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Our government doesn't work that way. I wish they did but they don't. We have to search for it ourselves or pay it ourselves or the government will come and take everything that the person owns. Thanks for your kind words!!
@only1shi (404)
• United States
22 May 08
is it possible to cut back the trips to every other day? i know that you visiting is helping her progress, but i'm sure that she'll understand that you're strapped for cash. and you definately don't want to get into the habit of paying bills or putting day-to-day purchases on a credit card. it's an extremely hard habit to break, and an expense that's hard to pay down.
do you have other family members that you can talk to about helping out?
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
I wish I could but I can't besides, dad wants to see her too and I live on the way down. I've put the word out to everyone that we need help so hopefully help will come but it may be in spurts such as, here and there which will be just fine with us.
@janisspaggiari59 (656)
• United States
22 May 08
Trust me,you need to get a job and earn your money.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
First of all, if I had the time to find a job I would. Secondly, I don't have the time because I'm taking care of my dad and his house, running his errands and shopping for him, paying his bills as well as taking care of things at my own home and finding time to visit my mom. Now tell me where I'd have time to even work a job if I were to find one? Please consider how mean your comment sounds before saying it to anyone else. It's very inconsiderate.
@janisspaggiari59 (656)
• United States
22 May 08
I got the idea that you could have a job because in one post you said you looked for a job where your mom was but the position was filled.So I figured you could be open for a job because you said you were considering working there.So,I
wonder how would you be able to work where your mom is if you have all those responsibilities.That one post gave me the idea that a job was possible.So you can get a job where your mom is if there was an opening but nowhere else ? I don't
understand.
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
22 May 08
catsandogs I do wish I could help you but I have a
very small income and just squeak by at the end
of the month. I do think that idea about the church
is a great one. and if your parents have belonged to
some clubs they could also be prevailed onto to help.
also you might go to your city council and tell them
you are really having difficulties trying to handle
all the medical expenses. sometimes place like that can
and will send out for donations. good luck and god bless.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Sweetie, I really appreciate the thought but I don't want you or anybody else to help if they can't afford to. It serves no one any purpose to put themselves out while helping someone else but I do thank you anyway!!
I didn't know the city council could do anything.... wow! I've learned something new today! My day wasn't a total loss after all! lol
They're a part of a rescue squad and they're getting donations together as well. They say it might not be much but it'll be something. I say, ANYTHING helps!! and that we'd all be so appreciated!! LOL
@bournecaindelta (2477)
• India
21 May 08
Well, I got not brighter ideas, but I think you can work. You can find small jobs like baby sitting, Dog walking etc. They seem petty, but they will sure add up to a lot if you work on them. Problems arise for everyone, but the ones who keep their calm get through it.. Think about how you can spend your time more commercially to earn money and help your selves and your family..
Things will get better..
bourne
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Don't cut yourself so short, your ideas are great ones IF they'd work for me but I can't do babysitting because it takes up too much time. I don't have much of it as it is because I'm taking care of my dad's household, running his errands, paying his bills, and what ever else that he needs doing and then trying to hold down my household before it blows into Dorthy's land of Oz and saving time to see my mom for a couple of hours to boost her spirits. I've tried to get a job at the hospital so I could be near mom but the position was filled. Dang it. Oh well, wasn't meant to be, I guess. I hope to hold a yard sale not this weekend but next to raise some more money for all of us, but thanks for trying!! They were some good ideas! However I am trying to make a few bucks here inbetween times that I'm running around doing something. lol
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
22 May 08
Cats,
Sit back and relax and take a deep breath.When we have so many things happening at the same time we tend to let our mind run wild, lets see what can you do to get help with this. That suit that your hubby bought sell it on criags list for half price that will be a few bucks in your pocket. Depending why your mom is in the hospital if it is for cancer you can go to hospice they have many volenteers to help. Without knowing the reason I just took a shot in the dark. Send me your email darlin and I will donate to your dilema. It may not be a huge amount of money but every little bit helps right. I know of these dilema's and I have also been in them believe me it all works out. I wish you all the love in the world take care of yourself to stay strong for them.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
Thank you so very much!! I've put in a friend request so I can give you my email address in a pm. Thank you so much for your help!! It means the world to me!!
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
22 May 08
You are more than welcome..
Your love for your parents are amazing, I hope as I get older my daughters would do the same for me. Life is a wonder darlin and sometimes we get thrown some curveballs and sometimes we need to reach out for help. What made it so easy to do is you did not ask for it, you were willing to sacrifice what you do have. Remember to take care of yourself and to stay strong. I shall see if there is anything else I can do from my end to help you. If you need an ear to listen I will be there... take care
1 person likes this
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
22 May 08
I believe in the pay it forward system, If everyone were to pay it forward the world would be a much better place. there is a saying that I once heard and I believe in it with all my heart!!!
YOU HAVE NOT LIVED FOR THE DAY UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO CAN NOT PAY YOU BACK!
1 person likes this
@blackmantra_x (2732)
• Philippines
22 May 08
If you've got something at home that you don't need anymore and have some worth you can sell it on ebay. You can also do part time jobs like baby sitting and the likes. I hope you can make both ends meet. God bless.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 May 08
I'm planning on having a yard sale not this weekend but the next weekend in hopes to raise some money. I think Ebay charges a fee. I can't babysit because I don't have the time to. I'm holding my dad's household down by cleaning, running errands, shopping, paying his bills and holding my household down and saving two to three hours to visit with my mom. However, thanks for the suggestions!! They're great ones but I don't have the time to do them.
@weeleybridge04 (77)
•
23 May 08
So sorry to hear of your situation,in a similar one myself. I've startred to paid surveys online, they don't all pay a huge amount but it all adds up,it might be worth checking out.The other thing i've done is to sell some stuff on ebay,just stuff that we were throwing out anyway and that was quite successful.Maybe you and your dad could combine and have a sort out. I wish you luck.Thinking of you.
