I don’t really know what to say here, I don’t easily ask for help, but I am so down and discouraged I decided to go outside my levels of comfort and ask…. Help please.

Two and a half weeks ago during one of the huge storms in California a tornado (yes in California!) hit the ranch I live and work on. It uprooted a 100+ foot tree and threw it into the new house I was moving into. The good news is my cats, and I were not in yet. I was supposed to be putting my bed together that night with the idea of moving in on the weekend. That room was ground zero and had I of been there, without question, I would have died.

The bad news is most all my precious things were in the house and I had also put a great deal of my own money in it, even thought it was being remodeled and provided for me as part of my pay, I was upscaling as I thought this would be my forever home. The wonderful foreman, the workers and I have managed to salvaged quite a bit which I am very grateful for, however much was lost and of the salvaged items many are pretty messed up. Fortunately, I hadn’t moved over my turquoise jewelry however I lost all my beautiful Indian pottery and artifacts, half of my books, many antique Mexican handmade furniture, photos, and many precious items from my parents that I had kept safe in storage until I had my forever home.

I used my savings on this house and unfortunately there is no insurance to cover anything. More than that I feel like I have lost a dream. The wind is totally out of my sails, and I feel pretty down. It’s odd how I can feel very grateful for my life and that of my kitties and also totally defeated. I know it could have been SO MUCH WORSE, which is why I am struggling asking for help. There is so much for me to be grateful for and so many folks who have it worse. So, if you are not able to help that is totally fine. I am ok. If you can, I thank you with my whole heart. I need a boost, a helping hand. I have had so many restarts in my life, it is hard to be facing yet another one when most people my age are retiring. Sorry, that sounds like a pity party and I’ve much to be grateful for. I am just struggling right now. I know I will be ok, I am living in a studio on the ranch so I have a roof over my head. God saved me and my girls for a reason, I am just still reeling from this abrupt fork in the road.

Anyway. That that latest chapter in my life story. I am ok, but if you are able to help, I would be very appreciative.

Thank you for listening,