One Woman’s Life,One Siblings Indifference…PART 1

   Hello,Family. I don’t use that word “family” lightly. Many of you have been closer to us than the few relatives that my wife has left. With Karen’s permission,I am finally going to recount her story of sacrifice,love,loss, abandonment,and betrayal.

       Karen was born in the Bronx,NYC, in 1966. Her Father was a Master Mechanic,and a service manager at a car dealership. Her Mom was a homemaker. She has 2 siblings relatively close in age. One brother,and one Sister.

      Searching for a better life away from the ever changing city, Karen’s Dad decided to relocate the family 70 minutes northward in Dutchess County,NY. At the time,a suburban,if not downright rural paradise. A wonderful place to raise a family. He bought a 940 Square Foot Ranch with a finished basement. In 1977,the family settled in the little white house on the hill.

       For anyone brought up in the hustle and bustle of city life,the culture shock of a sudden move to the “middle of nowhere” can either be refreshing,or create downright resentment. As Karen’s father drove to work everyday, Karen’s Mom had the foundation of resentment building and burning within her. This manifested itself in isolation,even from her children. Over the next four years, Karen’s parents marriage was crumbling,day by day. Finally,in 1981,the unthinkable occured. Karen’s Dad left the home and the family,asking her Mom for a divorce.

       While this trauma deeply affected Karen,her Mom instantly self started her independence as a single Mom. She learned how to drive and began a career as a caregiver in a Nursing Home. Karen’s Father moved to Florida and remarried,but still paid the mortgage monthly.

      Karen’s siblings,upon graduating high school,moved out of the home and followed their dreams and career paths in the 90s. Once they left,Karen felt she was obligated to not leave her mother alone,as although she was working,her Mom’s health was deteriorating year by year. Karen wanted to make sure her Mom wasn’t abandoned and left alone. After a semester at community college,Karen took on an entry level retail job,in order to stay close to home and care for her Mom and the house,that now housed only them.

       During the last years of Karen’s mother’s career,she was unable to drive at night due to her vision. Karen drove and picked up her Mom from her overnight shifts at the Nursing Home. Ultimately,in 2003, Karen’s Mom suffered a collapsed lung,which forced her to retire. Karen worked full time,and cared for her Mom everyday after. Did she have any assistance? ……..

      That’s Part 1,and when you read Part 2 tomorrow,I believe you’ll have a greater understanding of how one or two  catastrophic life events can leave collateral damage for years after.

In the meantime,The Agency we originally filled out housing applications with has had such a shortage of housing that they require new letters from doctors regarding the need for a partially subsidized apartment. I’m trying to hang on in this hotel to at least keep Karen in the most sanitary environment possible. This is $600 weekly,on income that is barely $1,400 a month. The math will never compute. I spend the hours Karen is sleeping contacting every assistance possibility,writing letters,calling senators,and everyone is “trying” for us. I am not going to ask for any more donations after July. Every time I hit “publish” on a blog post or “send” on a tweet I get nauseous knowing I’m asking for help again. We need a few hundred dollars immediately so I can focus my energies on getting Karen through yet another surgery,as her fistula is NOT VIABLE. This is increasingly risking her life. Please,even if you want it paid back,send to the GOFUNDME on my pinned tweet on X,or better still

Cashapp $BFN73

PAYPAL bn11473@gmail.com or Brian Nearey

Venmo Karen-Nearey-1

If you need the money returned,I can on July 3. We just can’t get through the rest of the month until what we’re waiting for comes through.

Part 2 tomorrow.

Thank you all for understanding.