Since I have been diagnosed with cancer, I have not be able to work. I was only making $10 an hour, but getting a weekly paycheck was $324. It has hurt us financially not getting that weekly check. Through this all we lost our home, took a keys for cash option. That helped us find a very small rental. We now live in a small 3 bedroom manufactured use that’s falling apart. There are six of us. We had a roomer, single mom with two children, on with spina bifida. Our middle child, daughter, the two of us and our two furry dogs. We could not all afford to live on our own, so we stuck together. It’s very cozy, but we are managing.
On Thanksgiving, our children, and boyfriend all decided to choose names rather than buy for everyone. Finances made it hard to buy quality gifts for everyone. We did however send our son, who is serving our country in Guam, a box. After Christmas morning, we all decided that it was fun picking names, that it was not favorable.
Christmas has always been our family’s favorite time of year. None of us are religious. I was born and raised a Buddhist. My husband who takes enormous amounts of time decorating the house with lights, is an agnostic, along with our eldest daughter. It does not take away from our celebration. We enjoy the act of giving. This year made it hard. We often bake and make goodies to give to everyone. This year I sold my goodies to help buy Christmas dinner. I think I only gave two batches of peppermint bark away. My husband and I decided that 2016 will be different. I will have kicked cancer’s ass, and will be making money so that I can give back to those that gave to us. Between personal donations and the Gofundme we have been able to stay afloat.
What I wish for 2016, is that everyone is healthy, prosperous, and happy.
Very humble housewife and mother😊
Recipes for Easier Living 
I know a bit of what you are going through. It is a shock when your job is not there and you are not well enough to get another. But when someone close has Cancer, everything else seems less important. I kept telling myslef – it could be worse. But as one door closes another opens and these things will help bond you all further. I just love your glass half full approach. It will help you all survive.
Thank you. My perspective on life has definitely changed a bit. We are hanging in there. Hopefully looking for a new bigger place soon. I love to cook and bake there’s no room here😣