[Renovation]

I just got off the phone with a dear friend with whom I have not spoken in the last few weeks. He went out of town to visit his family over the holidays and just recently returned. He and I are in very similar situations personally, professionally and financially. We're both in our 50s, been out of work and in debt up to our eyeballs.

As a guy, it's not easy to have guy friends with whom you can have intimate conversations, so I consider myself fortunate that we have been able to forge a nice friendship to help each other get through these difficult times. It was great to hear that things are getting back on track for him. He is waiting on a job offer and working to get a mortgage loan remodifcation and negotiate a reduced payment plan with his credit card companies. Like me, he is a fighter. It was encouraging to see that there are solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.

He also helped me assess a problem I am experiencing. Just explaining the situation to him helped me think out loud and see that while I am not out of the woods, there is still a good likelihood things will go my way. It's easy to catastrophize a situation, especially when the stakes are high. I am also going to imagine a positive outcome and work toward achieving it.

Thanks to your friend for calling and good luck.

[ECHOES]

You have found a precious and priceless gem in this friendship!
It is so good to have someone to talk to that has similar experiences, and is encouraging and caring.

[KathyM]

Lovely indeed. You just can't beat a good friend who's got your back. How I wish my husand had a male friend who understands and could help him out of our mess because I'm useless. I have some male and female friends who call him a friend, but they don't have a clue. My sister defended us once by saying "Don't pick on her, she enjoys being poor and living in a dump." You gotta be kidding me!

We're screwed.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Junerain]

How beautiful you are both fighters,,I am too!! fight the good fight, keep your head up, and visualize.......which you are already doing!



I love hearing about friendship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KathyM]

Thank you ((Junerain))

I'm a surviver of Chicago winters, but I'm sick now. With amyloidosis, I get cold in 70 degree weather. If I HAVE to, I'll attempt the marathon to the Lakeshore wearing only my old K-Mart robe - but we prefer to stay home.

We're old. I'd rather not visualize the finish line anymore. My husband and I are tired of fighting for life and running for survival. We'll never be good enough. Thank you for calling us beautiful.

Keep up the good fight!

[KathyM]

This is very embarrassing.....

I'm sorry, Junerain - I thought you were responding to me. Nevermind.

[lynn P.]

I'm happy for you ((Renovation)) that you have a guy friend to share things with and support each other. As women we do this all the time, but I think many men(correct me if I'm wrong) don't interact on a deeper level enough. I hope everything works out for you. We're small business owners and it's incredibly tough out there right now, except for the ultra rich people. Keep fighting the good fight because doors open when you least suspect it. Best of luck and hang onto that friend.