Finalizing Commencement
In this time of economic disparity, many Americans find themselves with less disposable income. The ability to see in one day and own it the next is not something most of us can do anymore. In fact, keeping our basic needs met can be a challenge.
31 percent of Americans were in foreclosure as of March 2010.
This is a story of a woman we will call Michelle, a single mother who fought hard to buy a home–her piece of the American dream. Despite the struggles of home ownership and single motherhood, she beat the odds stacked against her. For eight years, she never missed a payment.
In the middle of the economic crisis, Michelle’s health began to fail her and she was forced to go on an extended medical leave. Due to the time it took her to recover, not only did she lose her job, but over half her income.
The children, now young adults, were ready to move into the next phases of their lives and Michelle’s property was being foreclosed. Desperate for solutions, she sought a workout package and unfortunately, it failed.
Now with a quickly sinking credit score and few options, her health once again began to deteriorate and going back to work was yet another option unavailable to her.
Now, Michelle lives in the inner city in a small one-bedroom apartment and is has learned to cope with what she lost. She is now excited about living alone and having quiet evenings at home. She now loves drinking straight from the juice carton and dancing naked to her old school iPod tunes.
The end of home ownership and the beginning of her life as a single mature woman is restoring both her health, and her faith in the power of a “do over.” What once seemed a bleak curse, is now her greatest blessing.
The end of one does not have to be the end of all.
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