The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI'm 50 today.
50 years ago, Johnson was elected President. On the day I was born. I won't get into all that. I'll just say my parents were Kennedy/Chicago Dems, so I was raised the same.
My life has been difficult, a never ending series of disappointments. It never stopped me. My bestfriend back in Chicago called me a fatal optimist. Nothing could ever knock me down. At 16, I told friends that I couldn't wait until I turned 50. I had dreams of becoming an attorney and later a politician. Hey, I was born on election day. It was in the cards...I figured. It didn't turn out that way. 50 was my road marker. I would be successful by 50.
I didn't expect my 50th to be like this. Up until a week ago, my plans were to take my first real vacation in over 10 years with my husband. Nothing terribly exciting. He was taking me to Albuquerque. A city that I've been fascinated by for several years. Instead, I threw him out of the house. My house is almost packed up, I'm moving to KCMO with my son and DIL, I have no job lined up, I'm broke, have to get rid of my three cats, I'm terrified...and alone, today.
But, that fatal optimism is still struggling to take over. It's tired after this many years. That little guy in my head is whipped. He's running out of positive things to whisper. I'm trying.
I miss the Midwest. My initial goal was to move back to Chicago, but I can't afford all the deposits, etc. to get my own place despite the job offers. I'll only be an 8 hour drive or 6 hour Amtrak ride to the city. That's better than 2 days. I'll get there just in time for winter. That's okay, I can look forward to a real spring. No job offers, not a problem. I have a decent resume, will work for far less than my worth, and can sell myself well. The best part, I'll be with my son and his wife. Two of the most important people in my life. My DIL is so excited. She has my room ready and is driving my son crazy with details.
I'm scared, yes. Heartbroken because I can't find homes for my babies and will probably need to hand them over to the Humane Society where they will more than likely be put down. I get to pay $120 for the privilege. Money I don't have.
I have no choice but to look forward. To hope, to dream, to stay strong. Today, it's a little more difficult.
In honor of my birthday and all of the election days past, vote...vote for Democrats.
And, finally, something that is killing me. I'm desperate. http://www.gofundme.com/gc3d2g
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)and love and light on your journey.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Prayers for the Fur Babies that they find homes.
orleans
(34,094 posts)does your son have a friend of neighbor that could take your babies? or would it be possible they could stay with you until you find them homes? is someone in the home you are headed to allergic?
They can't come with me. No room, no pets, and yes, my DIL is allergic, but she would do it if she could. She loves my cats, too.
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)because it is YOURS.
dawg
(10,626 posts)I'm sorry to hear that your life is going through a "chaos" phase. It happens to the best of us, and all we can do is try to respond with intelligence and grace.
I know 50 sounds scary, but how scary could it really be? I'm still just a kid, and we would have gone to high school together if we had come from the same town. I can't help but believe that there are many wonderful things in store for you, just over the horizon.
CrawlingChaos
(1,893 posts)And you will want to get their pictures all over social media - explain the urgent nature of your plight and that they're headed for a kill shelter. Local cat rescue can help spread the word. I've seen it work over and over again. The main thing is to maximize their exposure.
I'm so sorry about all the turmoil. As scary as things seem, I hope the move will bring many positive things into your life.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)...no room for them and they all say they're "too old". They're 9. I've got a lot of people trying to find homes. I almost wish they were already gone. Spending time with them knowing what's ahead is killing me.
Kali
(55,031 posts)you are missing one thing, though. you need to have a fling with a pool boy. I am imagining MFM writing this and including something like THIS in the post...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
seriously though, what a horrible shock you are going through. and through is the key word, you will get through it and it will be GREAT on the other side. You are going HOME to the family and PLACE you love. place is so important. you will make it.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)And that pic is perfect. It made me chuckle and brought tears to my eyes, all at once.
Thank you, for everything, Kali.
Kali
(55,031 posts)in a year you are going to be so proud of yourself. 50 is a perfect time.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I made it through the day. It was rough, buy some good friends took me out for dinner and then for some drinks. Ended up being a pretty good nite.
Still nothing for my cats. I've tried all options. Waiting until the last possible moment to hand them over to the HS.
I'm feeling more confident, today. My left hand is all fucked up, but most of the packing is done. This weekend, some friends are coming over to help with the garage. It's a little like hell in there.
2.5 more weeks and all of this will be behind me.
Ptah
(33,055 posts)Cares of the past are behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds.
I know when night has gone
That a new world's born at dawn.
I'll keep rolling along
Deep in my heart is a song
Here on the range I belong
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds.
...another reason I need to get out of Arizona.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)I would post something in the Lounge like: "Desperate to save my kitties -- need to find homes or no-kill placement (Arizona)" ... something like that. Worth a shot. Maybe someone knows someone who can take them.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)And, Facebook, a few pet finder type sites. A couple of the shelters actually took my name "just in case".
bluesbassman
(19,385 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I survived.
libodem
(19,288 posts)For a favorite DU friend!
50 is the new 40
You are still young.
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)I voted straight line Dem except one spot was a thug against an indie, so I voted for the indie.
Prayers and wishes that you find a good home for the kitties. If I weren't on the other side of the country, I'd offer them my barn.
Ron Obvious
(6,261 posts)Last edited Thu Nov 6, 2014, 05:37 AM - Edit history (1)
But here's a belated Happy Birthday greeting from me, wishing you all the best in these difficult times:
It WILL get better...
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)
and many more.
Side note: It's unfortunate that the same president who got behind the great society was the same one that reversed his predecessor's policy in Southeast Asia. We've had a stronger MIC ever since.