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I came down to SW Florida for 1 reason only

My mother, 76, ended up with transverse colon cancer years ago. My job in Colorado had just closed the business down and I lost my place to live, my gf left me, and I became homeless and just camped out in my vehicle around some spots near phantom canyon. Then I found out my mother was depressed because I wasn't around. So I drove down here to Fort Myers and moved in the back room of her house, went out got a job as a security rover working nights. She had robotic surgery and the section with the tumor was removed successfully, she did 6 months of chemo pills like a champ and endured some uncomfortable side effects but after everything she beat it. I needed to be here for my ma. I couldn't bear the thought of her being here all alone aging and dealing with everything by herself. She's ok today, she gets tired a lot with chronic fatigue, and has a card time lifting some stuff and cleaning etc, so I just do that stuff. I get cheap rent but my own food car insurance gas habits etc. anyway my job consumes me and I put in a request for part time last week so I hope they can get me down to 24 to 30 hrs a week. I never show it around my mother but I get sad a lot of the fact of her decline. It's one of those things nobody is immune to. Time gets everyone. She's leaving me the house which will be fully paid for. And her Kia forte. When I think about that stuff I tend to not think about it because I don't want to. Florida is very expensive and very crazy. This state isn't a place I'd want to be permanently, Too fast paced, over congested, etc but I figured try to make the best of it when that fateful day comes. I know ahead of time that I won't want to exist when it does, but I'll have to be strong. Anyway cheap rent is how I'm able to do so much work on my regal. Places around here are 1500 plus a month. It's insanely hot, humid, and hostile. Ian was nuts. My first hurricane. My son came down for a while and we endured that one together. 😂 Memories. Welcome to Florida boy. Let's do this 😂. So he ended up moving back to Colorado. My daughter came town to stay with me for about a year but Florida eventually got to her too so she moved back north. I miss my kids. So I'm just here. It's not paradise unless you have a lot of money to pay for that kind of life. Reality for those who haven't been here, it is a swamp jungle of chaos. You will be steamed alive. And I like the camping lifestyle best but doing it here is too miserable. There's no peace, no privacy. And I don't mean this to be hateful, but I've never been somewhere with shittier people either and I was born in Los Angeles. So I wouldn't recommend anyone moving here unless you're rich.
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WillaKissing · 56-60, M
I have been there and lived there briefly on Army deployments, vacationed all over Florida and I recognize it as a vacation spot I can leave once, I decided too.

I lost both of my parent's early in life to cancer, so I know that struggle as well.

Also, the kids struggle and not seeing them like I wished too (My son is in Heaven).

So, hang in there and keep doing your job in taking care of your mother, you're a good son and a good man.

Good luck and God Bless.
Barracuda · 51-55, M
@WillaKissing Wow, you've seasoned through some tough fire. My condolences, and thank you.
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Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
You’re a good man to help your mom. Don’t ever forget it.

Where did you grow up in LA?
Barracuda · 51-55, M
@Fukfacewillie Thanks buddy. Sherman Oaks, Van Nuts.
Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
@Barracuda I private messaged you. We’re paisans.
Barracuda · 51-55, M
@Fukfacewillie van nuts* 🤣 I ment van nuys
Musicman · 61-69, M
I am sorry to hear that ☹ My wife and I came down when my dad had cancer. After spending a winter here we decided to stay after he passed away. We live a little north of you. We really like it here. The summer is a bit hot though. That would be a good time for you to go camping in the mountains of Georgia. A lot of people say it's beautiful there. This winter has been frigging cold though. 🥶
Barracuda · 51-55, M
@Musicman I've heard that from 3 people now about Georgia. Lived in Albany for a year. I didn't know Georgia even had mountains 😂 one day I'll check it out
Musicman · 61-69, M
@Barracuda My wife and I have a motorhome. All the RV'ers in Florida say it is the place to go.

 
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