Doug Knecht - Posted - 06/18/2026:  23:53:59

I want to share my experience of finally finding an apartment to rent.

I've been renting an apartment for the last 5 months, the first time since I went to college in '90.  In college, I had a severe breakdown which made me have to quit college.  It was during '95-'99 I played banjo extensively out on the road and got to go to Europe four times touring.  Then in '99 I had another breakdown, so traumatic it put me completely out.  I was never able to "get out on my own".  I stayed with mom and dad, getting on disability and working at a hardware store.  I eventually had to quit work because the disability was too severe for me to handle with my diagnosis.  But mom died last year of dementia, and dad was paying such high property taxes where we lived in Illinois.  So I really forced myself out and found an apartment through public housing.  Dad found a small apartment as an offshoot of the nursing home.

Moving has been such a good thing for me.  I hesitated to write about this, in fear that someone might criticize me for not having moved out earlier.  I mean I am 55 years old, and I'm a bit ashamed it took me this long.  But such a person would have to have my diagnosis of mental illness to appreciate how difficult this has been for me.  I was afraid i couldn't make it financially most of all.  Turns out things work out, and this has been the single best thing I've done with my life.  I'm teaching banjo lessons at my apartment.  I have some great students.

Please forgive me for delving into deep subjects here on the hangout.  I'm just a very deep thinker.  I also like to joke around, and have a bit of fun.  I hope to continue making friends here and sharing my banjo skills with others.

STUD figmo Al - Posted - 06/19/2026:  04:40:48

Keep on keepin Doug... :0)

BobbyE - Posted - 06/19/2026:  05:10:12

Glad things worked out for you, Doug. Never too late to do something that you discover was a good thing. Keep on keeping on as Stud says.

Bobby

Owen - Posted - 06/19/2026:  06:25:09

mike gregory - Posted - 06/19/2026:  07:00:06

Hey Doug! Good for you. Hope it goes well.

I know a fellow who was doing fine, until he wasn't.
Manic depressive diagnosis.
His wife still loves him, but she divorced him ONLY so that IF he signed some financial agreement, she couldn't be held responsible for it, later.
He also kept getting expelled from various Group Homes because he would not follow their rules.
Finally found one that seems to be working for him, also, he IS taking his meds as prescribed.

Thanks for sharing, and as I said, I hope it works out for you.

Owen - Posted - 06/19/2026:  07:28:06

Tongue-in-cheek, "... have a bit of fun" reminds me of public lavatory graffiti: "Want some fun?  Call _____ at 516-2254."

chuckv97 - Posted - 06/19/2026:  07:59:23

Good post, Doug. Be well.

1935tb-11 - Posted - 06/19/2026:  11:46:11

glad you found your place doug .

Pick-A-Lick - Posted - 06/19/2026:  12:56:47

Hi Doug,
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you the best of luck in your new apartment and congratulate you for making a great effort in getting a handle on your situation. Every morning brings us a new day and an opportunity for you, and all of us to make the most of it. Enjoy teaching your banjo students!

HarleyQ - Posted - 06/19/2026:  19:33:17

Good to hear Doug, glad it's working out. Were on your side buddy, God Bless!!.....Sorry about your Mom!

banjoy - Posted - 06/20/2026:  04:18:11

Doug, there's that old saying ... "Home is Where The Heart Is" ...

... and you have a lot of heart.

Nopix - Posted - 06/20/2026:  08:43:24

Doug, I'm glad you shared your burden. I hope you can feel the warmth from this BHO place. And that banjo of yorn. I hope you thank that banjer, cuz I'm sure glad you two met!

JMalmsteen - Posted - 07/02/2026:  17:47:01

Sounds like an exciting chapter in life.



My mom, who is 73, just moved for the first time in her life. Her husband passed away last summer and I bought her the house next door to us. She has an intellectual disability and had never left home. She was living literally in her old bedroom that my grandparents turned into an apartment and added on to the house. At 73, she said "I guess I have to grow up." She has her own house for the first time and she is happy as can be. It's never too late.

Enjoy the new apartment and giving those banjo lessons!

Edited by - JMalmsteen on 07/02/2026 17:49:29

Paul T R - Posted - 07/03/2026:  21:28:29

Doug, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It seems that you've found a new course to your life, and congrats on that. Keep on sharing your story. You know there are many good people here who support you.