A snap decision
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (362757)
Rockingham, Australia
July 16, 2025 9:24pm CST
We have two sons. One lives in Ireland and is coming to visit us late July for two weeks. The older ‘boy’ is 53 and lives in Melbourne. The company he worked for closed up over a year ago and he hasn’t been able to find work since. Then the house he rented for 20 years sold and he had to move.
He suffers from depression and isn’t in a very good place at the moment. He has a unit in an old warehouse we think. We have a 'window of opportunity' as they say and we're made a snap decision to fly to Melbourne today and check out the situation for ourselves. We’ve been helping him out from time to time for while but it would be easier if we knew a bit more about it all.
We’re coming home on Tuesday. I’m taking my laptop but I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to myLot. I know you’ll understand if I don’t get to your discussions for a while.
The photo shows the two boys (on the right) blowing out candles on a birthday cake.
27 people like this
28 responses
@JudyEv (362757)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Jul
@Ineeddentures Really? That sounds a bit sad - and bizarre.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (13311)
•
18 Jul
@JudyEv
It's good that you all keep in touch
Last contact I had with family was though a medium
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (159506)
• United States
17 Jul
I hope you find things better than you think they'll be and your son finds work soon. It really sucks to lose a job, the house you've lived in for so long and not know what to do next.
We'll see you when you have time for us. 
6 people like this
@kareng (79541)
• United States
17 Jul
I'm glad you are going to check on him. I know how that goes, having adult children myself. You still worry! And him being so far away, makes it hard to really know the state of the situation. Have a safe trip and we will see you when you and your hubby get back home.
4 people like this
@cherigucchi (15841)
• Philippines
17 Jul
As parents. No matter how old are children are, we are always there for them.
Its a good decision that you have to check in for yourself so that you know how more you can help him
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (48351)
•
17 Jul
Take good care, Judy. I hope you find he is OK. I know how it is to be concerned about our kids, no matter how old they are, they are still our kids.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (195926)
• United States
17 Jul
Sorry about the situation with your eldest. Maybe offering encouragement and make sure he is getting proper treatment is all you can do. It would be great if you could bring him back to your place for a few days to hang out with his brother. It's probably been years.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (195926)
• United States
18 Jul
@JudyEv Tell him that is when he needs is family the most. Couldn't he work for a temp agency or somethin?! I mean what is his plan?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362757)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Jul
@snowy22315 He is working with some government agency person who is trying to help him find work. It's really hard here - and everywhere, I'm sure - for the unemployed.
@abhi_bangal (7701)
• Ahmednagar, India
17 Jul
Oh wow! How nice the good old days were! But when you described today's situation, felt a bit sad 
Is he still trying for a job?
Is he still trying for a job?2 people like this
@abhi_bangal (7701)
• Ahmednagar, India
18 Jul
@JudyEv I'm so sorry to hear that he is still searching for a job. Is it really hard to get one these days?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362757)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Jul
@abhi_bangal It is difficult here to find work, especially when you're 53. He has been applying for all sorts of jobs but hasn't had any luck.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (86184)
• United States
17 Jul
Hope things aren't too bad when you get to see your son. Losing his job and his home is horrible to hear and I hope he isn't as depressed as he sounds.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (86184)
• United States
19 Jul
@JudyEv I'm glad that you had a nice visit. I totally agree that it's extremely difficult to be in that position. Certainly hope things turn around for him soon
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (15810)
• Torrington, Connecticut
18 Jul
That's an awesome picture!
2 people like this
@aninditasen (17667)
• Raurkela, India
17 Jul
That's really disturbing. When children are in trouble parents are the most worried. Hope he gets some lucrative work.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (17667)
• Raurkela, India
18 Jul
@JudyEv It's the same case in India for people who have crossed 40. My elder son is worried too though he is 38.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (200514)
• United States
17 Jul
Safe travels. Your son has had some tough luck. Love the picture.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165736)
• United States
18 Jul
Would it be easier if he eventually flew to be near the two of you while looking for work, etc.? Hope your visit is a good one.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (78663)
• United States
17 Jul
I hope you can help him, at the very least emotionally! Sometimes that's the best kind of support someone can get! Safe travels!
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (122249)
• Marion, Ohio
17 Jul
Have a good visit and safe trip. Hope you find everything good.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (88880)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Jul
Best of luck to you, safe travels and I hope you son is all right and you can help him
2 people like this
@Traceyjayne (5205)
• United Kingdom
17 Jul
Lovely photo.
I’m pleased that you are able to visit your son ….im sure he will be pleased to see you. It sounds like he needs something good happening in his life right now, and a visit from his parents may be just the thing to lift his spirits. Don’t mean to pry or be nosey …but, it is just your son or does he have family….wife, children. If not, is there a possibility in him moving to live closer to you . Maybe living in a different area will help with the depression, and he may be able to find work too.
2 people like this
