Emergency Expenses

Please allow me a moment to be vulnerable as I struggle through the shame and fear that is associated so often with “vulnerability.” I will borrow from the knowledge and eloquence of Brene Brown and Jeremy Deaton. “Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it’s also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love.” Brene Brown “A request for help may feel like a sign of weakness—we generally avoid seeming inadequate, incompetent, or needy. Americans, in particular, place a premium on self-reliance, and it can be difficult to overcome the pressure to go it alone. Rather than viewing vulnerability as a marker of weakness, we can choose to see it as a sign of strength. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, which is a fact we often recognize in others before ourselves. When a friend reaches out to you, do you refuse to help, or greet them with open arms?” Jeremy Deaton. As many of you know I had partial knee replacement (left) on March 8th and I will undergo partial knee replacement (right) in approximately 4 weeks (insurance is still “reviewing” however I have excellent doctors fighting for approval to go forward with the procedure.) One of the mistakes that I have made is that I failed to ask for help earlier.  I have not received disability benefits or a dime of income since March 6th, 2018.  I have not been able to drive for Lyft due to a block on my expired registration. I have spoken with Texas Toll Authority to work out a payment plan on unpaid tolls that I uncured (which I take responsibility for); however at this time I cannot execute the payment plan which would release my registration block because I can’t afford the initial payment. I have fallen behind on my rent and now eviction is looming and I will be served with eviction papers on April 10th.  I have been told I will have approximately 7-14 days before I will have to appear in court; once I appear in court there is no turning back and I will be forced to leave.  If I am able to settle my rent with late fees and eviction filing charges prior to the court date, I will be able to stay in my apartment; the apartment manager has stated that there is a possibility that I can relocate to a smaller apartment if a I am able to settle my balance prior to court.    I am overdrawn $1540 on my checking account as I had to pay for my deductible and medical expenses at the time of my surgery. (I did not intentionally overdraw my account which some of you know the circumstances surrounding that.) Thank you for taking the time to read this. Doug Sharp