I'm sharing this because I know many of you are struggling, but you're not alone. Our story won't make your situation better, but at least know know someone out there can relate.
We're currently facing a pretty major set of problems. The root cause of most of them is the fact that my paycheck hasn't arrived yet. This one simple event has triggered all kinds of issues.
The biggest, and most worrisome is our lack of groceries. We have food, so please don't worry too much. We just don't have much left that the boys will eat. It's a pretty terrible feeling to open up the refrigerator and find it almost completely empty.
We haven't actually been in a predicament like this, or rather to this extent, in a very long time.
It's absolutely temporary, but I don't know when my check will arrive, and that's scary. I usually get it within a week or so of turning in my invoices, but not this time.
As if that weren't enough, our air conditioning is down. I realize that seems like a luxury, and in most cases you'd be right. If you remember, about five years ago, we were nominated to have something done that would drastically improve our lives.
The organization that chose us, decided to donate central air, and a complete cleaning of our duct work. This was chosen because of the health issues some of the boys are dealing with.
Unfortunately, it died today, and I have no idea what it's going to take to fix it.
The timing of this is a kick in the nuts, because the temperature has been pushing 90°F, and will be the same or worse through the week.
There's less than a ten degree difference between the outside temp and the inside temp. We have a really old house, with very poor natural air flow. It was so bad this evening, the boys ended up at Lizze's parents house because they couldn't take it.
Again, I know it seems like a first world problem, and in many ways it is. That being said, with Gavin's fragile health, he doesn't regulate his body temperature very well. We have to be very careful that he doesn't overheat. That was one of the reasons for the AC in the first place.
As you can imagine, this has my stress level quite high.
I've lived most of my life without air conditioning, and while it sucks, I will uncomfortably survive. The kids won't do so well, and that adds a great deal of urgency to getting this resolved.
In another unpleasant turn of events, I had to make payment arrangements for our water bill. Those arrangements come due today, because I thought for sure the money would be in the bank alresdy. If it isn't, having our water shut off is going to the icing on the cake made entirely of shit.
Lizze returns to class first thing in the morning, as the insurance issues have been resolved, and that's a huge win for her. ☺
With the boys gone, I don't have to worry about the temperature in regards to them. My focus will be on the things I can at least attempt to control.
I'll call the HVAC company and inquire about the repairs. There's a chance that at least the parts will be under warranty, and I'll simply have to cover the labor. That would be amazing.
Calling Canton City Utilities is next on my list. With any luck, I'll be able to buy us a few days on the water.
In the spirit of complete honesty, while I'm going to focus on what I can control, I'll be stressing the fuck out over the things I can't. There's nothing I can do to expedite the arrival of my paycheck, and while it's frustrating that it's a but late, I'm so incredibly grateful to have the work. This is just a hiccup.
This is a pretty heavy load to carry on its own however, this is in addition to all the things that already stress me out, and have me overwhelmed in regards to Autism Parenting.
I can't even sleep tonight because I'm so worried about this coming week. I don't know what I'm going to do, or how I'm going to do it. All I know is I have to keep pushing ahead, because there's too much at stake.
I'm really trying to maintain a positive attitude, but truthfully, I'm not doing so well in that area right now.
