Not asking for help, just talking about doing so →[More:] and how liberating it can be.

I've had a stormy few months - laid off, brother's critical illness, other family issues.

I want to thank pjern and youcancallmeal for offering their help and support in different ways as my brother suffered an undiagnosed but probably tick borne illness. I didn't end up taking YCCMA's offer for lodging up, but she's in my cell phone and you never know.

My brother is recovering. It is a miracle. Creepy and fascinating to watch someone emerge from a coma. Something - like death, I assume, that film can never possibly get right except in a documentary capacity.

He is being transfered in the next few days to a physical and occupational rehab facility, and continues to need dialysis, but is regaining some kidney function. Thanks for all your well wishes, I really appreciate it.

I am happy to support him in his affairs, especially considering the alternative, but it's. . .just. . .hard. I can't imagine doing it for a distant or unloved relative. My experiences I liken to "The Amazing Race" - it's been telling to me what I will turn to strangers for help with because I Have to Get Things Done in a set ammount of time.

I have been rescued from a dead battery, loosing my car and getting lost on foot in downtown Baltimore in a rainstorm by University Police, and helped out by talking to a pharmacist about my blood pressure medicine options - she found an option and a program that is affordable while I'm unemployed.

My previous tendency would have been to suck it up and pay the $85 a month and go one whole pill one half pill, but gosh, people are willing to help if you just talk to them.

I had this same expereince when I crashed at mygothlaundry's @ bunnystock I - I never thought I could let go enough to do that, but I did and it felt great.

So. Thank you metachat, this is the update, and in general if you need help, go ahead and ask, even if like for me, it's hard to learn how.

I have been reading metachat when I can and it's been a real comfort, even though I haven't been participating. Rock on, etc.