Family's life is incredibly chaotic
Life in this family's household can be what the father calls "incredibly chaotic" with three children who are each suffering from a mental disorder ranging from autism to ADHD and dyslexia.
And then there are the financial problems.
"Recently we ended up almost losing our house," the father said. "We had to go into bankruptcy and almost got kicked out of bankruptcy court because we couldn't come up with the money to fund a Chapter 13.
"Also, I lost my job last month and won't be eligible for unemployment until after the beginning of the year because from June of 2012 to June of 2013, I only made $300 in income, so I hadn't made enough for that particular quarter."
Fortunately, his wife, who works in a medical office, has been able to cover the children's medical needs, but her income hasn't been sufficient to pay all the rest of the family expenses.
"We're kind of wondering how we're going to make it," the father said. "There's the house payment and the utilities and all the other things.
"I don't know about the future. This last job was a kind of trial thing for me because I've been on Social Security Disability and I don't get that much from it. I've got extensive medical bills and medications I have to take. When I had that last job, I worked all the overtime that was available, seven days a week."
Because of his disability, he is limited in the work he can do. When people suggested he go out and get a job in the oil fields, he responded by saying he's unable to do that kind of work.
"I suffered extensive damage to my lungs and there aren't that many job opportunities available for me to help me support my family. It doesn't make me feel good that my wife is the major breadwinner."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County families in need. Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
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