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KathyM · Mar 15, 2012, 09:26 AM

Thank you ((((everyone))))

Moving is simply not an option for us. This is my family home. I grew up in this house. I never liked the house, but it was my father's dying wish that I live here with my family. After much thought, I purchased my half of the house from my sister and we now own the home. It was my dream to fix up the house, add a room or two, and make it our own. At the time I was healthy and working a full-time job. We weren't well off, but we certainly weren't poor.

Following my diagnosis (amyloidosis) I continued to work for as long as I possibly could. I was raised with a strong work ethic - but I was forced to swallow my pride and apply for permanent disability.

Given my terminal/homebound status, it's not possible for us to "start over" anywhere in a new community inside or outside of this country - gated or otherwise. People like me would not be welcomed with open arms because I am not in a position to socialize. Even if I were, I would still be an outcast/outsider because people tend to run away from those who are dying. They certainly don't choose to hang out with terminally ill and disfigured people - especially those who are married to what might be a possible "suspect, terrorist, illegal alien, or all around "bad element." My husband also has Native American heritage (Mayan/Pima), so people sometimes jokingly refer to him as "Chief" - NOT funny, not in the least! My husband is NOT a mascot....and neither am I!!

If anything, we would be considered fodder for charity - but that would never happen because I do not belong to a church or any other "charitable" organization. Been there, done that - it's the same wherever we go.

How I wish people could have truly learned how to respect each other and treat each other as human beings in my lifetime.

I appreciate the offer, but I am not asking for charity/money. I'd like to have my dignity back, but I know that's not going to happen. What I want MOST is for people to stop picking at and trying to destroy my husband's dignity and life. They don't realize his dignity has already been destroyed. When he dies....I die.

When we die, all I can say is Lord have mercy on the poor soul who thinks he/she can mess with our son. As it is now, they only see him as a "gangster." Little do they know our son is a decorated Iraq war vet (Auxillary Special Forces), currently in college, and a member of the honor society with a perfect GPA. Still, to strangers on the street he's usually seen as just another "gangsta n****r," etc. He gets profiled and stopped just as much as my husband.

Once again.....thank you SO MUCH for your support here. It means the world to me.