So, it’s 4:34 am, and Zayden’s O2 monitor is blaring like it’s the end of the world. I jump up, heart racing, only to find out it’s a false alarm. Turns out, Zayden was just stretching his foot in his sleep, and the monitor was NOT okay with that. Thanks, monitor. After suctioning his trach just to be safe, I get back to figuring out the nursing schedule for our newest team member. Fun times, right?
Finally, after almost 11 months, we’ve got a full nursing care team—four ladies and one guy. Honestly, I’m hopeful this means some stability for Zayden and us, but I can’t lie, it’s a mix of relief and anxiety. Why the anxiety? Well, our car’s transmission is toast, and my caregiver income is the only extra cash flow we’ve got aside from Zayden’s disability benefits. It’s tough to feel fully excited when the financial stress just keeps piling on.
Right now, I’m barely keeping us above water. The electric bill is climbing like it’s training for a marathon, and FPL says it’s going up another 40% over the next four years. On top of that, the county hit me with a notice that property taxes are jumping another $400 this year. Oh, and homeowners’ insurance? Yeah, that’s up too—another $642 if I replace the back door with a hurricane-rated one, or $914 if I don’t. Apparently, the door frame wasn’t installed right, so it all has to go. Great news, huh?
Those increases nudged up my mortgage payment by $87 a month. And car insurance? That’s up too—another $274 for this renewal period, while somehow offering fewer benefits. Oh, and the riding lawn mower? Bought a new belt and a battery for it, but now it won’t even start. The grass is growing wild, and I’m just waiting for the county to slap me with penalties. The one bright spot? At least I’ve got a well and septic, so no water or sewer bills for now.
And then there’s the van. Still haven’t been able to fix it or replace it, which is keeping me stuck at home. If I had a working vehicle, I could get back to my old job as a correctional officer or even return to a full-time career as a mobile notary signing agent. Both would more than cover what I’m losing from caregiver hours (pay) and take a huge weight off our finances. But for now, it’s just one day (and one challenge) at a time.
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