|
|
Post by Rennie Ellen on May 21, 2008 21:55:32 GMT -5
Here's my intro.... My name is Rennie (real name) and I've been a part of this group since 2004 (I think). Why I'm here....in March 1998 I moved from a 3 BR, 2 BA mobile home to a small 2 BR, 1 BA public housing apartment with my then 10 year old daughter. I was going through a very nasty divorce (the nastiness came from my ex's side) and dealing with that, a rebellious child, the financial mess that comes when your husband leaves and takes all the income with him, and my pre-existing health issues, I didn't have a lot of time or energy left over to unpack and deal with household stuff. That August my divorce became final, and I started to get my household in order. But in December I had pain in my chest and was misdiagnosed with pneumonia. I was treated with antibiotics but I didn't get any better. I went to the Urgent Care Clinic and they did x-rays and a CT scan. The scan showed a 12 cm. tumor behind my left lung. It was cancer -- stage 2 diffuse large cell non hodgkins lymphoma. So the unpacking had to stop while I was dealing with everything as a single mom. I went through 7 months of chemo and radiation. I was also blessed with a home health aide who helped me get unpacked and decluttered. After my treatments, I was tested again and found out I was cancer-free (and have been since then, yay!  . By this time my daughter was being a PITB (pain in the behind) and wouldn't clean her room, would stay out all night with her friends and refused to get up for school the next day, would go off to her friend's homes for the weekend against my will, and was verbally and even physically abusive to me. I was getting in trouble with Housing because of my daughter's messy room. I tried to deal with it by cleaning it along with the rest of my apartment, but I tired out very quickly and had chronic pain. Fearing a recurrance of my cancer, I went back to my oncologist and while my cancer hadn't returned, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis (from the chemo), fibromyalgia, and a new thing called post-cancer fatigue syndrome. That, along with my ulcerative colitis (I've had that since I was 18), caused me to fall behind on housekeeping, for by then the state had some budget cuts and I lost my home health aide. With no one to help me, the clutter just got worse. That's when I finally found you all! That was in 2003. I think.  Angel, my trusty Tortie sidekick, confidant, computer buddy and guardian angel in residence, adopted me that year. Since then I've moved to an even smaller 1 BR, 1 BA public housing duplex apartment, got help with unpacking and decluttering to where I can now maintain on my own, and this year I filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy. I never could have gotten through everything without your support and encouragement. I really do treasure you all and feel you're part of my online family. Thanks!  |
|
|
|
Post by artsygal on May 21, 2008 22:01:01 GMT -5
What a powerful, courageous, and inspirational woman you are!!! I'm new and look forward to getting to know you better. best, artsy (my real name is Ellen)  |
|
|
|
Post by Rennie Ellen on May 21, 2008 23:44:20 GMT -5
Artsy, What a powerful, courageous, and inspirational woman you are!!! I'm new and look forward to getting to know you better. best, artsy (my real name is Ellen) Thanks! Ellen is my mama's middle name.  I guess my story is here to show not everyone who has a clutter problem has OCD, bipolar or general depression or is a hoarder. Even though my issues are physical, the end result was the same -- clutter. The support and things I've learned from SS was what helped me get rid of it and help me maintain -- and that I'm not alone. |
|
|
|
Post by creativechaos on May 23, 2008 23:21:48 GMT -5
hi rennie, nice to see you and read your intro. thanks so much for sharing it and showing that clutter or squalor can be circumstantial due to physical/ health problems. so many things can cause it; background of origin, depression, loss of a loved one, moving to a smaller space...
Your commitment to maintenance and living simply in a very small space gives me strength and hope; thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lucky Laura Loving Life on Apr 20, 2009 11:38:50 GMT -5
Dear Rennie,
You are amazing! I have to say That the transitions along with your health have required
a lot of adapting I am sure.Hope to see you soon.
Laura
|
|
|
|
Post by def6 on Apr 20, 2009 14:00:25 GMT -5
Dear Rennie,
I'm so sorry that you have had such trials in your life but you have proven that you are a survivor!! Best of luck for the future may it be bright. And about the teen-well aren't they something! The basic progression is a natural one (although we hate the side effects of what comes with adolecence and early adulthood.) Personally , if the child hit me I would call the authorities-no question asked . Do not allow this child to hit you please. If you do they will hate themselves one day for it. Blessings your way!
|
|
|
|
Post by still on Apr 20, 2009 14:43:51 GMT -5
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an AMAZING WOMAN! You make me think of a square dance instruction-call "Don't stop, don't slow down, just keep on ...." All my respect for your willingness to keep on keeping on. I LOVE it that you are a cat person! What a gorgeous torti! Those gorgeous tall ears make her look like she might have some Siamese in her. Do you know if she has? Hope you are having a peaceful and productive day |
|
