George/Pena Family Blog - Did someone break a mirror?
You know how you think that everything can be going wrong, but then it goes wronger? Since we arrived home from Texas, that is exactly what has happened to us. Please cry along with us as I detail the many trials that Murphy has visited upon us lately.
The day after we arrived home, I went in for a routine blood draw and the phlebotomist hit the nerve in my arm. This has resulted in almost constant pain and irritation to my arm as I go about trying to work and live my daily life. The doctor has me on some medication, and if it doesn't improve soon, I'm likely to end up at the neurologist, and possibly have surgery.
The next day, we all went back to work, and Ed was laid off. No reason and no warning. So our budget is going to be very tight, and the small extras will have to go.
A few days later, Valerie went back to college, where the health department was called on the apartments that were assigned to her. She has to move out and get a different place.
Tracie and a friend drove up to Birmingham separately to help Valerie with all her stuff. She has a LOT of stuff. On the way home, outside of Montgomery, her engine blew. Tracie and her friend were stranded on the side of the road. Val drove down to stay with the girls, as Ed drove up there to arrange a mechanic, and drive the girls home. The mechanic says the car needs a new engine. $3000, anyone? Suffice it to say, we will not be footing the bill for this, although we did arrange for Ed to drive up there Monday to tow the car back to Tally. Tracie will have to decide how to handle this. Sell the car as is and buy a beater? Save up enough to have it fixed, and take the bus to school? It will be her decision, with input from the both of us.
Ed's mom was hospitalized for pneumonia, but is now out of the hospital and doing a little better.
Yesterday, Ed called me at work and said he was very ill. Eleven hours, innumerable tests and yucky stuff later, we came home. He is doing better, and is recuperating nicely. He will NOT be going to Mongomery on Monday.
Here's what has been good about all this:
Tracie has learned that she is not such an independent adult after all. She is re-evaluating her goals and desire to move out to attend college. She is much more appreciative of the things provided for her, and sees that she needs to be better prepared before moving out. Justin is working hard at his new job at FSU, and is definitely stepping up to the plate to take care of his adult responsibilities. His is becoming more to making goals, and wants to move out on his own. He is saving money towards that end, and has expressed a desire to get his license and maybe trade his scooter for a car. Edward is searching for a job where he can have more responsibility for what goes on day-to-day. He has already been on several interviews, and we are awaiting call-backs. I have been depending more on the love and friendship of others, especially the pre-planning week when I went back to my classroom. Many of the things that needed to be done, I just couldn't do because of my arm. My friends at school and my family stepped in to fill the need, and for that I am extremely grateful. I could not have done it without them.
Financially? Well, we may not win this contest, but we are learning a lot, getting better all the time, and now will handle anything that comes our way. Our faith is intact and strong, and together, as a family and with our friends, we can do anything.
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