Voyage d’une Vie (The Trip of a Lifetime)

Sometimes, mom's best laid plans just don't work out as they should ....

Everything was completed and ready to go with the paperwork for the trip to Europe with select band kids and choir kids for the summer of 2014.  Well, everything except for the dimensions of the case the oboe is in - don't even ask.  The $600 check was going to be written on Friday, May 17th for the deposit on the Europe trip, and mailed off -- a month early!!  Everything had fallen into place, and I was so happy that I could send Cori to Europe for 16 days.  This is a once in a lifetime learning experience, where not only do they get to tour cities in 7 countries, but they get to perform there as well.  If I could afford to go as well, you bet I'd jump on the chance!!

But then, Cooper had 4 seizures the early hours of May 17th -- 3:30 a.m., 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00.  So, instead of being able to write the check for $600 for the deposit on the Europe band trip, all the money, and then some went to pay for the emergency vet visit.  Yes, I did cry at the reception desk when I paid the first $200 for Cooper's vet bill yesterday, explaining that every cent I had for Cori's deposit to go to Europe was gone.  Yeah, that went over like a lead balloon.

I absolutely hate asking anyone for help.  Asking for help financially is even worse for me, because I simply cannot do it.  But, here I am, and I don't like it, and I'm sorry I'm having to do this.

So, here's the deal.  The downpayment of $600 is the most important payment of them all, and is due on or before June 15th (the earlier, the better).  It secures Cori's spot on the trip.  The total amount of the trip is $5,645.  Barring any other medical emergencies like we just endured yesterday, I can easily pay the other payments -- because everything falls into place, just like it was supposed to yesterday.  It's just this first payment that I don't think I can swing because of the $700 vet bill I just paid yesterday and today.

Cori will write updates to this post, and add pictures.  She just didn't know where to start with this, and I understand.  You see, she feels very uncomfortable asking for help from people she doesn't know, and I don't blame her a bit.  Guess she didn't fall too far from the tree in this regard.

Anyway, here goes, and thanks ever so much for your consideration.