rough days

[Life Change]

Hello all. This is what I am dealing with right now. As you know I am still in jail working on work release. Well Monday a good friend of mine from year’s back that I was in work release with lost the fight against the problems that drugs bring about for us addicts. He went out for work on Monday and never made it back. They found him dead in his truck. He committed suicide by using a hose from the tail pipe. Now mw and he had talked about stuff while at jail and I told him of the release that I had found from working the program and through God. He said that he was doing better and I told him I was always available for him to talk. This guy was usually a happy guy on the outside, but deep in he was hurting bad. I have had, over the years several friend kill themselves, OD, or get murdered etc. this is just unexpected because I think he was clean. (We get drug tested in work release). Then on Wednesday I get a letter from child support enforcement that I need to call them today about paying. I guess this is because I am working now. Well I have always paid my sons mother directly and never been involved with them before. I had joint custody before I was locked up and never missed a payment. (I didn’t pay all of them myself, but my parents did when I didn’t) right now I am working a lot of overtime and don’t know how that will fit into figuring out how much I have to pay. This is something I want to get worked out because it is my responsibility, but I had hoped to take the first step in the action. I owe back support for the last 2+ years and I guess that will come into play also. We had a court date set up for when I got out but sense I am working I guess the time is now. I owe a lot of fines and money out to places. This really tries to get me down, but I try not and let it. I look at it this way, if money is all I got tot worry about then I am ok! It’s just hard sometimes. I still have a road ahead of me and just need prayer and support. Any experience, strength, and hope from others is welcome!! Thanks!!

[chero]

Sean, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. What a tragedy. My prayers are with you. And I know if you are willing and obedient to God, He will work out your financial situation. You obviously aren't wanting to shuck your responsibilities and that's a good thing. Stay close to God and let Him work!

Lots of prayers!!

[cmc]

Sean, I'm sorry about your friend. It does make life more precious despite all the trials and problems I have- when death, loss and other tragedies occur 'close to home' or even afar.
My son is struggling too. He is in a residential program and was going to leave early. His probation allows that and a fellow inmate who is also in the same facility was set to get a rental house last week. It fell through and yesterday my son found out that had he moved out early- he would have incurred an extra $600 fee with the courts. There was no way to know of that because the paperwork had some errors. So what was 'bad news' turned into a blessing.
That said...now this other man has decided not to have a roommate. This was a problem, of course because rents are high and my son is starting over financially.
He forgave his friend and they talked things out and now my son is looking out for himself. Should this man change his mind- it still may work for them to live together, but either way, we know that it all is in God's hands. Just like the $600 saved- finding a place to live will work out too.
It will take time and patience to pay all you owe, but you can do it. I believe that God will bless you for your efforts and desire to do the right thing. God is so resourceful! I can recall so many times when my husband and I were young parents and God provided a financial need- just in time and in just the right amount needed.
I love this quote from the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot: "Stay the course."

[rayofsunshine]

Sean, I'm sorry about your friend. May God give you comfort and peace. Keep looking to him and he'll help you through the financial part too.

[best]

Sean

I lost my best friend and another friend from school so I know the feelings and thoughts that go with it. Prayers are with you.

As for bills and responsibilities... if we say it do it.
Child support wasn't as big a need for my wife when we were separated but I did say I would pay it and the one time I didn't... I asked her if it would be ok to put it off for a week. She agreed and I held up my end by doing what I said I would do. Accountablity to self as well as being the next right thing to do is why I stuck with my word. Sick and tired of my old self ... I started to make a comitment to do what I say and stick with it.
Sure does feel good gaining back my own self-respect. (others started thinking better of me as well)
As for what we owe and who we owe it to... priorities need be listed out.
If you owe fines to the courts and explain the situation and where your desires are... to make amends and pay up on past child support... the courts may say ok, they will wait a little longer.
I find that when I am honest and straight up with who ever I owe... they listen and will cut us a break from time to time.
Just as we stay clean and sober one day at a time... we can pay off our debts the same way...one dollar at a time if need be.
Set your priorities and talk things over with who you owe to. There is a light a the end of the tunnel and it sure feels good when we become debt free upon reaching the tunnel end.
Prayers go with you Sean.

[Life Change]

well i might not be able to be on here to much for a bit. the person i was filling in for at work is back now and i will be going back to the plant to work for a bit. all the people in the office say that they are going to try and get me back over here as soon as they can, so we shall see. i went to file paper for adj. to support and have a dec. court date( i guess they are a little backed up)LOL. things are ok with me, i just wish i could stay where i am at at work. i guess i will just have to do what i need to do and follow Gods plan for me and learn through this. i will be checking my e-mail and still reading what my mom sends me from here. i will keep all pf you in my prayers, and hope that all goes well for everyone. i hope to be back soon. i will miss all of you and this site while gone.( man i cant wait to get out and be able to be on here at home, and do live meeting and things also) there is a proverb for this " A mans heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his path"

[caileesnana]

So sorry for the loss of your friend. You are in my prayers. Congrats to you for your success!
God bless
susan

[namommy]

I will keep you in my prayers. Take it one day at a time. I have learned to ask God for the ability to accomplish the tasks I am supposed to accomplish for that day. and leave the rest until they are supposed to be taken care of. It's been working so far. Somehow, it all works out. It will work out for you as well. As long as you do the right things for the right reasons.