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Across the Fence:  Another reason for simple living  |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 20 2008 : 3:32:18 PM
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I'm just thinking out loud -
We've all talked about and written about living a frugal life, saving more money and being ready for what ever life throws at us, but an article in today's paper made me think about it even more.
Last month we had a commuter/freight train crash that killed 25 people and injuried dozens more due to the stupidity of the conductor.
Today's article was about a family in my town who's husband/father was seriously injured in that crash. Even after a month in the hospital and several surgeries he is just now off the ventalator, but has many many more months of recovery.
The article was a plea for financial help from the community. He was the sole breadwinner. Mom did not work. Friends and family are trying to put together a golf tournament to raise money so the family can survive financially while dad is recovering. And although I thought this was a nice jesture, and I understand this must be a very difficult time for them, I also couldn't help but wonder what had been done about financial security (savings, investments, insurance, etc) and what was being done about their financial situation, which is going to last for some time. Were they paring down on unnecessary expenses, shopping differently (sales, coupons), curtailing some of their activities in order to save money. Is mom thinking about a part-time job to help off set expenses. Was his company helping in any way. The questions just swirled in my head.
I know he'll get disability payments, but I also know from experience it's not enough to run a household. I'm always in a quandry when I read articles like this. Of course I feel sorry for the family, but part of me feels angry as well. Or maybe its guilty because I've weathered my own financial difficulties without ever missing a beat. Or maybe it's because what ever I could do (financially) probably wouldn't even buy their groceries for one week. And, no matter how much they make on the golf tournament it will all be gone long before the dad recovers fully.
We've had several pleas lately for financial help, especially since the housing crisis and downturn in the economy. Regardless of how the articles make me feel, they always tend to clearify how important it is to live a simple life and have a financial safety net. Know what is truly important and lay the groundwork to weather any of life's challenges. |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2008 : 4:10:51 PM
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Jenn, I understand your feelings. I know a few people in other circumstances who have been going through tough times financially. It's a good example for us all to think of the unthinkables and unimaginables that life can throw at us and to be ready to weather them.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2008 : 8:56:08 PM
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Jenn,
I can see your point too. At times on our local news we see horrible situations and there is no where to send well wishes or condolences to.
In other situations, the "event" isn't too bad-relatively speaking, and the donation fund was set up in a matter of minutes. The latter, frustrates me, it seems like the friends/family are only asking for hand outs.
Here is what I do.
If a situation touches my heart, and the person/family seems to genuinely need it, I will donate or try to help somehow.
If we donated money to every little thing we see, we'd all be broke and in line with the very persons we try to help.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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Across the Fence: Another reason for simple living |
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Another reason for simple living
