Mike and I have been very resourceful entrepreneurs over the years and lead a very simplified life. We would have survived this "compound fracture" except for the fact that we have not been able to, like most homeowners, access our equity. Our equity in the property was substantial being that we made an $80,000 cash down payment when we purchased.
The property has become a financial sink hole into which we are now forced to pay more than we were qualified for, and agreed to, in monthly mortgage payments; the mandated flood insurance policy premium now increasing our monthly mortgage by an averaged of twenty-five percent (25%). And this is all occurring even though the property value is reappraised as having a fair market value of ZERO ($0)!
Despite the representations made during escrow; the dirty little secrets about this property have now been discovered, and the horrid facts confirm that the house indeed sits on a designated drainage easement; the entire property determined as being located in the "Special Flood Hazard Zone".
A Blessing and a Compound Fracture
When God called us out of Southern California, there was much prayerful seeking as to where we would be moving; and after several months we both agreed on the state of Texas. Mike was born in Dallas County, Texas, and later moved back to the Dallas area for a period of about five years
At a very young age Mike's mother had taken him out of the state, refusing to allow his father to know where they resided. Never having any support or encouragement to pursue finding his father, Mike didn't act on his curiosities until his early fifties. There was brief communication at one point, but nothing became of it. I knew Mike's father lived in southern Texas, around the San Antonio area, along with two half brothers; one brother already having passed away.
We had discussed contacting Mike's father (Walter) once we were situated in our new place, but it wasn't shortly after we moved in when things began to hit the fan. It was late October and I felt an urgency to contact Walter. I called him and we had a lovely conversation while Mike was out taking care of the property. During our conversation Walter and I set up a surprise visit between he and Mike. I didn't tell Mike until a couple of days before in order to reduce the period of stress.
One afternoon we were out back and I sat him down on the side in the back yard and let him know that his father was coming up from San Antonio to meet him. I watched a fifty-seven year old man revert to a young boy in countenance. He sat there silently just repeating "I'm going to meet my father." We spent a few days preparing for Walter's visit. When I had spoken with him on the phone I tried to talk Walter into spending the night in our room. He kindly refused stating that he wasn't one for sleeping at other people's homes. So we just planned for a nice meal.
Then the day arrived and Walter drove up in his big pick-up truck wearing a ten gallon hat. I'll never forget him getting out of the truck and looking up into Mike's eyes. I still get so weepy thinking about it. I took photos and put this video together as a memorial to that special time.
Walter arrived with old shopping bags full of photo memorabilia and a small suitcase, and asked if it was okay to spend the night. We were absolutely elated that he had changed his mind about staying with us!
Mike made homemade chili for dinner with corn bread. We visited and Walter spent the evening sharing his life with us. He even showed us his tattoo "Ruby"; Ruby being Mike's mother's name. It was a special time for Mike as he was able to share his faith with Walter and to pray with him.
Then next morning Mike made breakfast and coffee for Walter and they shared hugs and said their sweet goodbyes. We discussed plans on getting together again, but that was not to happen.
A short time later, I received a phone call from Walter's step-daughter telling me that Walter had passed. I remember the crushing force as I looked out the living room window to see Mike in the pool enjoying a nice warm spring afternoon. How do I tell my husband, my best friend, that his father is dead after one visit; and on Father's Day!
When he came to visit us, Walter informed me that he had not told his other two sons he was coming meet Mike. What Walter didn't tell us was that he was dying of liver cancer. I don't know the story, but Mike was not invited to his father's memorial; and a subsequent phone call to the oldest brother was painful. I found the other brother on Facebook and put in a friend request. Still no reply.
But Mike did have "24 Hours With My Father" and for that we are forever grateful.
