Pants Down Moment!

I’ll redact a name but open book is the way to go even if one has things some folks don’t care for. “Good day, I’ve received your letters regarding personal debts I’m obligated to pay and wish to update you regarding my circumstances and my ability to meet our agreements. On November 1, 2013 I was transported by ambulance from an urgent care facility to the cardiac unit of a local hospital where I stayed for eleven days. I was informed by my cardiologist Dr. * that I would never return to work again. I have been informed by my employer the State of New Mexico that I have been certified for Medical Leave Without Pay. My circumstances were so dire that for the months of December 2013 and January 2014 I qualified for food stamps with our state’s Income Support Division. There is some good news hidden in here as the combination of my age and years of service with the NM Human Services Department allow me to move to an early retirement. The paperwork takes, by their estimate, sixty to ninety days. At this time my projected date for retirement is March 1, 2014 with the first retirement check to be deposited on the final calendar day of that month. I’ve received some donations. I received a short term disability check from our insurance company and just as quickly received a letter that they were cancelling further payments until I provide additional documentation. They took almost sixty days to make their initial determination so I do not expect a sudden turnaround from their office. I’ve filed for OASDI with the Social Security Administration but that determination can take eighteen months even for an initial denial. I understand that under the terms of our various agreements you are entitled to return to the court and ask that I be compelled to show cause as to why I am not servicing these debts as previously agreed. I believe I have sufficient documentation, which I’ll gladly provide to you on your request, to demonstrate this unexpected and drastic turn in my financial situation. Though the court would likely affirm my obligations (short of bankruptcy) it seems they would be loathe to remand me to the lock up, particularly in light of the expenses associated with my need for medical attention, special dietary restrictions and the nature and severity of my failure to comply as previously agreed. I am not attempting to hide from you. My home is my only asset and I intend to remain in it as long as it’s physically possible for me to do so. It’s bad enough here that my furnace is dead and can’t be replaced without at least three thousand dollars in cash up front. In the morning you can see your breath in the living room and kitchen. I’ve retreated to the smallest bedroom with a portable heater and electric blanket. I’ve eliminated cable TV altogether and cut my phone service package in half. Between lack of funds and limited mobility (no functioning automobile) I only leave the house two or three days a week for business or supplies. I invite you to keep in contact with me as you see fit. When the new paradigm of retirement is in place starting in April of 2014 I should be able to again address and service these legitimate debts." something of a public posting i guess