Death of parents leads to depression
While others are feeling festive this holiday season, this 39-year-old woman is in mourning.
Her mother and her stepfather died earlier this year, about three months apart. The deaths were both unexpected.
"I'm still in shock," she said. "We were so, so close."
Her mother's death, a heart attack, came first. She had to take time off her job as a receptionist in a law office to help her stepfather as he dealt with the loss of his wife. She also needed time to deal with her own grief.
Six weeks after she returned to work, her stepfather contracted a flu-like sickness.
"He never recovered," she said. "The doctors told me my stepdad didn't have a spleen. I didn't know he had it removed. It had to be a long time ago. I've known him since I was 17."
She said the health professionals told her that her stepfather's lack of the organ made him more prone to infections.
The second death plunged her into a deep depression from which she says she's just beginning to recover. She missed a lot of time from work.
Her employers have been understanding and supportive, she said. They have allowed her to take time off as she needs it, and promised her that her job would be there for her when she was ready to return.
But it's the loss of income that's making this holiday season even more dismal for her.
Her greatest concern now is maintaining her parents' home, which is now hers.
"It's old, but it's nice," she said. "I just don't know how I'm going to pay the taxes, the electric bill, and everything else. I don't want to lose it."
She said her brother will be coming to stay with her for the holiday, and she doesn't have any extra money for a turkey or ham, or any other treats.
"I just want us to have a nice meal," she said. "We're all alone now."
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.
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