Bit of background first. I see to moms daily expenses. Sis sees to big stuff like getting car fixed, replacing big stuff when the break. And with mom being 80, everything is on last legs, beside her being accident prone. Guess who I take after? So I paid for her seniors trip. I couldn't say no. It may be her last with her golden girls who are are a bit older than her.And a month later here we are. Mom was told to put her bucket list into action when diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. So she travelled the world and also lost a ton on a bad investment and 20 years later she is on Sassa. The brothers had their own shit going on. Ff to this year bro and wife both found decent jobs.... in the tourism industry. So they are dealing with possible loss of income.
Monday night I reached out to every relative on my phone. 4 responded.One made promises and generally doesn't keep them. The others said they cant help. Those who didnt respond promptly blocked me.
I used to stockpile non-perishables. Gran's influence that....as she always said 'vir as die oorlog kom'. Last year I stopped - want die oorlog kom dan nie. And I always ended up giving away the stuff if anyone needed and then I just stockpile again. So I thought this was seriously a waste and I needed the space for my craft supplies. And here comes Monday. I had about 1 cup rice, a shredded cabbage in the freezer, about 2 cups cooked dhal, loads of teabags. Loads of toiletries, half a loaf bread in freezer 4 pieces chicken, a cup of mieliemeel. A tin of butterbeans. 4 potatoes and onions and a million bottles of water in the chest freezer. And then I find a pack of brisket and I think to myself when was brisket R40/kg? Omg it was dated 2013. Every year I defrost the chest freezr and never check dates, just pack everything back. You know how I laughed. THEN panic set in. What can I sell? I have some handmade leadglass lamps but no data to check what I can get for them. And people are not gonna buy lamps now. They are still for sale if thats your thing.
So yesterday I thought the forum is my only hope and as threads popped up I responded. I was concerned abt the judgement but that was the least of my worries for now.
The angels on this forum have come to the rescue.
I cannot thank everybody, enough, both punters and wgs,for all the help. And yes, I will pay it forward. God bless you all amd may your cup be filled to overflowing.
As i said yesteday this is both a humiliating and humbling experience but I will step out stronger than before.
P.s mom said I dont have to worry about her right now. Their senior's club will be disreibuting food parcels. She is surrpunded by relatives who willnstep in should she need anything. Seeing as she is the last living aunty. Dunno if its true or if she is just trying to ease my stress cos she feels guilty for asking me to paybfor jer holiday. They cannot get refunds cos the organisation has already paid whoever they had to pay, its just postponed and the service providers will still provide trip at the same price.

Nadia.. you are one Brave strong woman.

You made me ashamed for always being so damn proud.:(

I think there is hundreds of ladies is similar positions but all too afraid of the judgement and humiliation that goes with admitting to the fact that we are in shit.

I am okay for now. As one very special man that made sure I had food at least for next couple of weeks by paying in advance for a few hours.

My crisesses will come in next month. When we have not earned money in next couple of weeks. Paying rent after lockdown will be the hardest I think.( I pay weekly and is paid up till 2nd week in april)

My son got laid off..pre this.
My daughter will be on no work no pay from Friday.
I have built webpages to the worth of R21 000 in last couple of weeks that people are now holding back on payment due to uncertaintynog time.;(

I have a property in north west and have hoped that the tenants will pay their rent and with that I can pay mine. But they also won't be able to pay rent. This has knocked me. As I depend on that income like any other property owner does to pay our expenses.

Savings I had got eaten up by doctors bills last couple of months with melanoma opp (I still owe some on medical bills)

I have canceled all my subscriptions netflix ect to not have the stresses of accounts.

I hope to earn enough via remote services to at least keep us fed till all goes back to normal.

That is my story.

I wish you well and hope that you will stay as strong as you have already proven to be.

Xxx
L

Soooo.....My little nephew overheard the convo and sent me R10 airtime. The other 2 volunteered R15 of their R50 pocket money. My bro said last night the donation will be increased.They said they have nothing to spend their money on.

Mom was lying when she said she is getting food parcel. She doesnt want me worrying about her. But he said she doesnt need food parcels anyway. They are all around her.

Now.... there were 3 ladies who sent donations.And one esp from an unlikely source - An ex-advertiser. I know it was a sacrifice. May you be blessed.
I have enough airtime now and I thank everybody. Some sent to my private phone and I converted it to a freeme bundle which is such great value for money.
To Massage Inc and Ystervark who started the appeal, omg, you are angels among us. I am so glad I spoke up,as difficult as it was.
I am so grateful to each and everyone of you. You have shown me more kindness than most of my family.(They always send prayers and scripture everyday.... it stopped after I appealed for help. What does the Bible say again ... 'Do it to the least of these ... and you do it to me')
So now I am sorting my wool crate and am going to pensioners flats around the corner later and giving it to a few oumas there to keep busy while they are stuck in their flats. My rather simple way of paying it forward. They are ok foodwise. There is an ngo that looks after them.
This whole experience has restored my faith in humanity. I was so scared of what people would think or say. But obviously I neednt have worried.
I am not in the clear yet but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel isnt a train.
Love, light and blessings to you all

Louise, thanks for sharing. Yes, we all have a story and at the end of the day we all are just trying t get through life and be happy.And we all have people depending on us. For years I was estranged from family and as much as I see some couldnt care less, those that care make up for those who don't. Your kids will always be at the centre of your heart and looking out for them will never stop. They are blessed to have you.

Btw. Yesterday I spent most of the day setting up a care buddy system around where I live. Maybe some ladies could do that in a simple way. Just randomly select someone you will check up on during lock down. Maybe they need something from the shops or take turns to go for groceries. Just a chat perhaps or swop books or movies.

I am happy to hear things are looking better for you.

Hope that everything goes well and we all come out safe o the other side.

The ladies and gents on purple have once again proved to be uniquely different and special.

Can't wait for this to be over. There a few things that should have happened already in 2020 that did not. Time just seemed to be running way to fast in the start of 2020.

It is end March already by the time we come out of our lock down April will be almost done.

If one thing had become clear to me in last few days it is that time is valuable.

There is never a better time as the moment you in. If you wait for a right time. Live wil pass you by.

Keep well Nadia. Feel free to chat anytime.

This is really heartfelt ladies... Please be strong.

Ladies be strong during this time .. we will get through this !!!

Nadia you are a really awesome person in all aspects. And I think may of us could learn from you what it is to be humble, caring,and honest. Just love you girl. Be safe and GOD bless. Xxx

Thanks GK And B... keep safe.,)