I'm So Torn!!! :-( Update post 18

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
Exactly!

 

[Missouri chick]

I'm only 700 miles from home, but totally understand. I've had to stay home for the holidays before. Yes, the family was upset....but now I think they have finally come to realize that if they want to see me the road goes 2 ways. They have been willing to help with plane tickets or gas. Don't let them guilt you into something you can't afford. I'm all about family, family comes first in my decisions. Sometimes you simply don't have the money to go though. I LOVE the ideas people are posting on this thread. GREAT ideas!

 

[Chickenmaven]

My sweet step-daughter & her husband live very far away. We took the hint when she said, "we can't afford it." Her dad put some $$ on her Paypal & her mom pulled out a credit card. The tickets got bought! If you feel comfortable issuing a Big Hint, I would suggest you state that the tickets cost $4,500 and you are $___ short.
Please do not let anyone make you feel guilty or sad about not coming. It is much to ask.

 

[GaNewChick]

Its a gamble one way or another. It's family, not a vacation to stay at some fancy resort.

Life is precious (here now, gone by the time I finish typing this).

I spent 4 months cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina ~ I arrived home late Tuesday night and wanted to do some things to get my house back in order and was going to visit my parents on Friday. My dad went to sleep Wednesday night and my mother found him dead in bed Thursday mornin ~ and I put if off for a couple of days.

I'm not trying to pressure you into spending the money, it's not about money, it's about family.

 

[debilorrah]

With the family DEMANDING that you come home, I would stay put and tell them you just don't have the money. If they really want you home, they can pony up a few bucks!!!

 

[Mahonri]

Quote:
Agreed and I'd tell them to come to you!

 

[horsejody]

If you can't visit, maybe you can ease the pain by setting up web cams so you can see and talk to each other live everyday.

 

[hollymh]

Thanks for all the replies, it is so hard and I still can't decide what I want to do. I would love to see everyone, I really would but that is so much money!!! The problem with the money is that we do have it and they know because it is part of a bonus my husband received when he reenlisted, so everyone knows that we get a lot of money every October. *sigh* I don't know what to do; I could just cry I'm so upset...

 

[redhen]

pips&peeps :

Quote:
Exactly!

x3!​

 

[DuckLady]

Quote:
Well, why do they think they get to decide how to spend your money? For all they know you put it into an IRA. Just because you "have" it doesn't mean you "have" to spend it.

Just do what YOU feel is right for you and your circumstances and don't worry about the rest.