Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

The week I decided to get out was the week I was taken down by COVID. (And no, I never did get out.) It was 4 P.M. on a Wednesday and I couldn’t keep my eyes open so decided to take a quick nap. And that was it…

The next morning I woke up sicker than I’ve ever been in my whole life. I thought it was the flu. I set up a telehealth call to get direction and the doctor assured me that it was the COVID as there are no flu cases (his words, not mine.) His direction…take Tylenol for the fever, Motrin for body aches and whatever works for the cough. It will be gone in 10 days.

I was out of it for most of the time…could barely stay awake most of the time and when I was awake everything was a blur.

Day 11…I was admitted to the hospital with COVID Pneumonia. I held out as long as I could but it was not getting better.

Sea Cadet got me checked in. Since he is a local EMT he had a bit more freedom about being in the room with me. Although after I was admitted, I didn’t see him again until I was checked out.

Back Home To Recover

4 days later, 2 of those days in ICU…I was sent home with 10 prescriptions, shots to be administered daily, and little better. I had some amazing nurses at home. Gymnast made sure I was taking all my meds and administered the daily shots. He made sure I had healthy, diabetic-friendly feed and constantly had a full water cup. Thankfully, over the last 3 weeks I have slowly recovered and now feel about 85% like myself.

I’m truly grateful to be alive and even moreso to be able to stand for more than 6 minutes and stay awake most of the day. I’ve been back at work full time the last two weeks, although the first week, I had to take lots of breaks, read naps. But they have been so great! And I started driving again this past week. (It was kind of nice being chauffeured everywhere.

Life Kept Going

A lot has happened over the last 6 weeks, even with me out of it…I look forward to filling you in. So highlights include:

• Prom – all three of the teens attended.
• Beauty – got her driver’s license and a car.
• Graduation is just a month away and family summer travel has been planned and booked.
• Contemplating buying our house again.
• Renovations going on in our house.
• Princess got in a single-car wreck with two friends in the car. Thankfully it was minor but super scary for this mama.

I will write more in the coming weeks. But super busy now as I try to get caught up with work and kids and prepare for Princess’s birthday and both girls’ graduation.

Read More

• The Struggles of Living on a Limited Budget
• What to Do When You Owe the IRS
• Making Ends Meet: 3 Critical Tips for Finding a Second Job

Hope

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.

Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.

Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.