Dear Sal,
Last weekend I went to Walmart with my good friend Sara. I had my two year old and Sara was pushing her baby in a stroller. When we went were leaving the check out, I noticed in the bottom of her stroller were some small items she did not pay for. I had no idea what to do so I looked the other way. I can’t get this out of my mind.
Friend of a Stranger
Dear Friend of a Stanger,
You will need to arrange a private time to tell Sara what you saw and remind her that her child needs to grow up with a good example. Also, the fact that she could be arrested and what would that do to her baby. Remember store theft affects all of us; what stores lose in theft, we the consumers pay for in rising prices. Good Luck!
Sal
Dear Sal,
I can truly say I grew up in a happy, Godly, secure family home. Not to say we aren’t a colorful bunch. We are all of different personalities and have strong wills of our own, but sense of humor and sense of family have always held us close. We have celebrated and wept together throughout many a year, however …about 5 years ago two of my sisters came to me with twinkles in their eyes and the ole’ pioneer spirit that we should hitch the wagons and head for Central Oregon for the new family frontier. To make a long story short, there were changes of heart, real estate, economy, children, etc. My husband, children and I are the only ones here. My mother moved here with us believing the others would follow. We purchased a house out of our financial range because she would be living with us and that way it was possible with her income to make it! My mother felt isolated, my brother went home to be with Jesus, and she missed the others who encouraged her to come back. We understood whatever was best for her we truly wanted! One of my sisters lived alone. She could use the help financially and with company.
I can’t help feeling isolated myself. I try to visit as much as we can. I’ve tried to encourage them all to visit whenever they can, I’ll make it nice! Some come, some now and then, some never. I miss them all more than they would ever know unless they were in my place. I don’t know the babies, nor do they know me. I love children, but I have none to love on anymore. The older ones forget, well you know! I have no idea what the future holds, I want to be close to my family, but it takes effort on both sides! I would be willing to move back with them, but we need help. Help to ready the house to sell, help to move, and help to encourage us that this is what we should do! We love Central OR but this was not the plan. How do I make them understand how important our staying connected is? DISTANCE IS DISTANCE!
Sad in Central Oregon
Dear Sad,
You are in a sad situation. It sounds like you are the lone pioneer. Perhaps you could rent out your house to people with good references and rent a home near your family. Maybe put your house on the market? Also, you could apply for a loan modification and then rent your house. The money you would save you could pay rent on another place. I agree with you that visits should be with both sides of the family; not just your family making the trek. Keeping in contact is very important with phone calls or emails. Moving is a big decision, but I think moving sounds like it is in your future. Good luck and don’t despair. I have a feeling you will be reunited with your family soon.
Sal
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.