Not a win, but...

... a bittersweet miracle of sorts. I lost my mom somewhat suddenly in early May. Even before then, my finances (being newly divorced) had been horribly tight, and I am literally down to my last few dollars. My new position at work still does not pay enough for me to cover my monthly bills. And now, on top of everything else, my daughter got accepted to the one college to which she applied, and tuition is coming due in just a few weeks. I really had no idea how this was all going to pan out. My ex has absolutely no money to contribute to our daughter's schooling, so the burden was going to be on me and whatever financial aid she might be able to get. My only thought was to apply for a hardship loan on my retirement account at work. (I have to go that route because I had already taken a loan out on it earlier in the year to pay for my medical bills from the beginning of this year, and you can only get one loan per year unless you have a demonstrated hardship). I was going to go do the paperwork on that tomorrow morning.

Tonight, I got a call from my step-dad that my mom's life insurance had paid off and he's sending two checks next week - one for me and one for my daughter. It is more than enough money for her tuition to be fully paid from hers, and mine is more than enough for me to get caught up on my bills (even pay a few off) and pay off the loan on my retirement account (for which I was having a set amount deducted from my paychecks each month). The combination of those means I will have enough money each month from that point on to cover my remaining bills and then some.

I miss my mom more than I can say - she would have been 67 two weeks ago had she lived, way too young to go. We never had a lot of money when I was growing up (when it was just the two of us, we were on food stamps more than once). Now, in her passing, she's able to do the one thing she never could while she was alive. I've been awash in tears since my step-dad's call. Of course, I'd much rather have my mom still than all the money in the world, but this helps so very much. And, to top it off, my step-dad says there will be another round of checks in January (new tax year), so my daughter's tuition will again be paid off, etc. Not a win, but a bittersweet miracle. Thank you, mom, from the bottom of my and your granddaughter's hearts.

ETA: I was just thinking about how, for the first time in months and months, I might actually get a full night's sleep tonight. (The financial stressors have kept me up most every night.) Then I got the attached as a captcha... thanks again, mom!!

I'm sorry about your Mom but happy she's still watching over her girl.

Such great news for you- Sometimes when things look bleak an angel comes out of nowhere to save the day and it is great to know that your mom is watching out for you, and her grandaughter!

Just amazing. I am sure your Mom would be tickled pink that by such a tragedy came a life rope that was so so needed. I am so sorry about your Mother's passing

Sorry about your mom. The story about her finding a way to take care of you is wonderful!

What a blessing!

Thanks for sharing. Great story.

amazing! i am so sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful gift from your mom!

So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She's definitely your guardian angel watching over you and your daughter. What an awesome story and thanks for sharing it with us!!

Thanks for sharing your story, hope you do sleep well tonite!

Thank you all, very much! I was obviously a little optimistic at the notion of sleeping, but I think I'm still just trying to wrap my head around it. (Not to mention the fact that I'm still getting used to the idea that she's gone, even though it's been almost three months.)

I wish you all much love and laughter and that you are able to spend as much time as possible with the ones you love!

That's great you're getting money! I'm sorry about your mom, but death is a part of life and that's nice that she left you money. At least you can pay for things now. I got a small check every month after my mom died (an aunt's benefit) and it really came in handy. I also know I'll be getting alot of stuff when my dad dies. I'm not being morbid, just realistic.