Thursday, May 7, 2015

Stand by me

Life sometimes gets in the way, and I am convinced it is the way we approach difficulty that matters. I am thrilled with the summer-like temperatures in the mid 80s we have been experiencing all week. Truly a gift from God to me. I need warmth and sunshine to fuel my creative side. I am back to writing after a serious lapse.

We have had some upheaval in our family, and therefore, my writing submission calendar has suffered, and I have neglected my blog. Thanks to those of you who visited and have stuck with me.

My granddaughter, Liam's mommy, and her husband sold their house almost immediately and found a home they wanted. They drew up a contract, and at the last minute, the seller inflated the price 10K. Seems they did this to a former prospective buyer, too. The realtor suggested the owners didn't really want to sell. Ashley and her husband were crushed. Then they found their dream home. Hubby and I went to see it. We could imagine baby Liam being raised on those wonderful five acres of land, in a gorgeous house, in a safe community. They made an acceptable offer, and upped the closing date a week so the couple purchasing their home could get in as soon as they moved out.

And then she received a phone call ten days before they were to close. The house was an inheritance held by three siblings. The contract had one condition: a replacement roof, per the inspector. Shouldn't be a problem said the realtor. Then came the call. One of the siblings was holding out. He does not want to replace the roof and thinks the insurance company should cover it. Seems they dropped the insurance coverage when the mother passed away and the house became vacant. The brother wants to take the house off the market, invest 20K in a new roof and pass the cost on to the buyer when they relist.

Another deal fell through, and my poor baby girl called me ready for a nervous breakdown. "Nana, we are going to be homeless by next Friday. How could they do this to us with a baby and two pets? What are we going to do?"

They are actively searching this weekend with their realtor, and if they must, they will move in with my daughter temporarily, as she already has a nursery for Liam and a guest room.

The realities of life hit Nana's 26 year old girl hard, and I worried about her. I know that things will work out. It will take many years for her to realize that life is filled with stumbling blocks, and it is the way we handle them that brings a better outcome. Only she can decide the right approach: stop at the roadblock, or proceed with caution? Jump the hurdle and act impulsively? Or sit quietly and pray for guidance? Try to make it happen or allow it to happen? Thy will be done. It is hard to let go and let God...

Bill's brother died suddenly from a heart attack, and the weekend funeral conflicts with an event I had tickets for. That is a minor bump in my life, but my sister-in-law is dealing with a major crisis. Her name is Barb, and she could use prayers for strength and comfort.

Bill received news after his last chest X-ray that he still has a bit of residual pneumonia in one lung, so we are making a conscious effort to avoid smokers and coughers. Life has been a little rocky. But we will navigate and get through all of this.

I am thankful for your visits, and I promise a more positive post next time, maybe even humorous.

13 comments:

Susan Sundwall said...

Oh, Linda, my heart goes out to you and your family. How wonderful though that you've been through so much of life's ups and downs and can soothe those around you. Never easy, but what is? I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Unknown said...

My goodness! You've had a lot on your worry plate, Linda. I'm holding you in my prayers, and your family. Your poor kids! I always say there's a reason for things like this. We don't see them at the time, but They will find the right home. It's sad that people would do that to a young family. Greed is consuming our world. Hang tough, lady!

Debra Mayhew said...

It is so tough to go through times like this when it feels like it's just one thing after another, and even harder when it's someone you love who's having the trouble. You're right when you say it will all work out - if we can only remember this when we're in the thick of things. Praying for you and your loved ones, Linda!

Kim Lehnhoff said...

You're right - things will work out for your granddaughter. And she'll learn that lesson and be wiser for it.

And you write what you need to write - you don't have to tempt us with a plate of cookies (or a humorous post) to get us to visit!

Susan said...

Hi Linda...So sorry to hear things have been a little rocky. Hope they stabilize soon. Hope your granddaughter's house situation gets resolved soon, too. Sometimes, when it looks hopeless, it turns out even better than expected. Susan

noexcuses said...

I'm for letting God handle it. It's a killer to sit back and be patient, but like your friends before me mention, it will work out. There just might be an even better dream house that is getting ready to go on the market. I'm sorry about your brother-in-law, and my prayers are with you and the family.

Val said...

I hope everything works out for the best for all involved, and that you can get back on track when the time is right.

Bookie said...

Sorry to hear of all the trouble...but I am glad you told us! It will work out even though an ending isn't in sight at the moment. So hard to go through this stuff...and as we get older, we know more but are less resilent too in many ways. Your own freedom is coming for summer. Can't wait to hear of all you will write!
Not happy about the weather right now but maybe it won't come so hard as they say.

Pat Wahler said...

Keeping you and your family in prayer, Linda. I hope the rough seas soon become smooth and bring you peace.

Pat
Critter Alley

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Prayers for your granddaughter, Barbara, and you and Bill. What a stressful time for you.

When my hubby and I bought our current home (we've been here 16 years) we went through a similar set of circumstances. We actually had a contract on another home, and were set to close on the home we were selling and the home we were buying on the same day. One week prior to closing, the owner of the home we were buying sent us a certified letter detailing an ongoing 2-year battle with the EPA over a neighbor's septic tank issue that was causing all kinds of problems in her (our seller's) yard (think icky sewage on the property). Anyway, she probably waited to disclose the issue figuring we'd have to buy her house anyway, since we were committed to selling ours and we had three kids, two dogs, and two cats to house. She was wrong. We pulled out of the deal and ended up putting all of our stuff into storage and moving into our friends' basement---all of us, pets and all---for six weeks. Such a stressful ordeal!

But you know what? I'm glad it happened, because we found the house we're currently in, and it is/was perfect for us. I LOVE my house. Praying your granddaughter finds a similar outcome.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

It's tough going through those periods, Linda. Searching for a place to live will stretch our faith in ways we couldn't have imagined. I'm praying for your granddaughter's situation.

Losing a husband is like being ripped in half. I can empathize with Barb. You might want to suggest GriefShare. They helped me navigate the strange waters of widowhood.

Praying that Bill's health will be fully restored.

Connie said...

Linda, I'm sorry to hear of all these troubles you and your family are dealing with at this time. When it rains it pours, doesn't it. Prayers here for you and your loved ones.

Tammy said...

All the best to your family, Linda. And have a happy Mother's Day!