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We Are Losing Our Car, Which Is Our Home!

by Gwendolyn Baines Columnist

Dear Gwendolyn

My husband and I were laid off two years ago. We both worked for a large company and had been there for almost 25 years. The company changed management and the new management soon went out of business after purchasing the company. All employees were given only a three months notice.
 My mother-in-law has told us to come and live with her until our situation gets better. Her husband is deceased and she lives alone.

We have three children ages 8, 11, and 13. I don’t like my mother-in-law. However, we cannot live with my mother because she does not like my husband. Years ago they had a disagreement about the co-signing of a car.
Gwendolyn, I don’t want to go to a shelter and I don’t want to be living on the street – not with my children. What advice can you give me? I’m in a pickle.
Ruby

Dear Ruby

You are in a pickle that is stuck in jelly. Whatever you do, avoid taking your children to the streets. A shelter should be considered before a choice to live on the street. Don’t let pride stand in the way of your future. Shame should not be considered. Children who are forced to experience such a crisis as this usually grow into adulthood and do well. They grow to understand hard times can come to anyone at any time.
Let me tell you this: It is not a good decision for husband and wife to work at the same place. To do factory work for 25 years makes you not employable to new age technology. Most companies do not wish to train new workers without computer knowledge as even machinery is now built to be high tech.
Have a talk with your mother-in-law and let her know you have your ways and the children have their ways, but whatever she wishes, you and your children will abide. As I said, you are in a pickle stuck in jelly, but think about it. — jelly can turn to jam.

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