But in 2020, due to COVID-19, two-thirds of the operation had to close down for seven months. Meanwhile, my business is getting stronger. She has to sell her marital home, just appraised at $900,000. Her circumstances changed dramaticallyįor six years, the woman has never worked, and her alimony is about to stop. There were no stipulations on how that money could be spent, nor were there ever any terms such as interest. The very next day, she came to my home with a check for $75,000. I replied that as long as we were both clear and willing to sign an agreement that this was a gift, not a loan, and that it was not expected to be repaid, I would accept her help. After discussing it with a few trusted friends and my partner, my position changed. She asked me to reconsider it, because it would mean so much to her to be able to help me. In other words, I made it clear I was not seeking a loan.
I let her know I appreciated her kind offer, but that I’d never be able to repay that amount - or, for that matter, any amount. In her words, she said, I “saved her life.” ‘I made it clear I was not seeking a loan’ She offered to give me some of the money she had received in her divorce settlement, because she said she could afford it and she felt I had helped her in a way that was above and beyond. One day, of her own volition, and totally unexpectedly and unprompted, she let me know she wanted to help me financially. In getting to serve this client, and being generous and compassionate by nature, I spent extra time listening to this sad and brokenhearted person. One of the jobs I performed allowed me to work with and gain a new client who was going through a bad divorce. I was getting by, but definitely not what one would call thriving. I actually worked two outside jobs to fund the business and carry the financial obligations of my entire household.
My partner broke his neck and suffered five strokes, and I became a full-time caregiver.Īdditionally, my adult child developed serious, incapacitating mental illness and came to live with us, placing intense strain on me personally.Īlthough I operated on a tight shoestring budget, I was at the beginning of starting a new business. Nine years ago, I had several tough life scenarios that blindsided me.