How Do You Deal With Losing Your Home?

Each week the Patch.com news sites will offer a variety of columns to make moms' lives a bit easier. Maybe we can share advice together, maybe a few chuckles. At the very least, sometimes it's good to know that whatever the issue, you're not the only one going through it.

Patch.com is seeking moms who would like to participate on local moms councils in our areas. I'm looking for mature people who are well connected, good communicators and get along well with others to help advise Ramona Patch about issues affecting moms in Ramona. This is an informal advisory group only; these aren't paid positions. There are no meetings involved, unless we want to meet for coffee occasionally. I don't want to add any extra work to your load. I'd just be interested in hearing what is bugging local moms, or what makes them proud.

Sometimes, I might ask someone to write this column. Sometimes I'll write it ... at least to get the ball rolling.

We won't always write about heartbreaking issues. Last week, our first column was on how to protect children from molestation. Thanks so much to the women who commented. I know that for every woman who responds to a column, there are many others who want to, but they want to protect their privacy. I'll do a follow up story now that I've gleaned more information on victim grooming behavior by molesters and the type of children molesters choose. It's very important information based on interviews of molesters done by researchers, so please watch for the story soon on Ramona Patch.

This week, I'm choosing the topic of foreclosure. I know it's another tough one, but it's also a timely one due to demonstrations on Main Street. In a video of last week's picketers, I noticed a woman with a placard in one hand and holding a child's hand. I couldn't help but think about the effects of losing a home. "Home" is such a sense of security for us all and especially for children.

According to figures provided to me by the president of the San Diego Association of Realtors, as of January there are 94 homes in Ramona that are in pre-foreclosure mode. I will need some time to analyze the statistics and do a follow up story.

But for now, let's open another dialogue. I've personally witnessed children feeling shocked and humiliated at needing to suddenly move. It's tough when all their friends are watching. I've watched neighbors who suddenly stop talking to families because they don't know what to say. Moving out of a neighborhood that way, after years of being friends, is hurtful and lonely and can add a sense of shame that isn't fair. Though foreclosure isn't contagious, sometimes people behave as though it might be. They don't want it touching them. And they don't know what to say. Friends and neighbors don't always know how to help, and perhaps they're afraid to offer help due to their own strained resources. We never know what pressures our neighbors could be under.

Here is your chance to talk about the subject, offer solutions, advice, personal stories, words of hope or encouragement ... whatever is on your mind.

Thanks for participating. We look forward to your comments.