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Jun 18, 2026 - 11:53:59 PM
like this
7469 posts since 2/14/2006

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.

Jun 19, 2026 - 4:40:48 AM

45136 posts since 3/5/2008

Keep on keepin Doug... :0)

Jun 19, 2026 - 5:10:12 AM

BobbyE

USA

3882 posts since 11/29/2007

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

Jun 19, 2026 - 6:25:09 AM

Owen

Canada

19432 posts since 6/5/2011

yes

Jun 19, 2026 - 7:00:06 AM

63637 posts since 12/14/2005

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.

Jun 19, 2026 - 7:28:06 AM

Owen

Canada

19432 posts since 6/5/2011

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

Jun 19, 2026 - 7:59:23 AM

chuckv97

Canada

79244 posts since 10/5/2013

Good post, Doug. Be well.

Jun 19, 2026 - 11:46:11 AM

9432 posts since 9/5/2006

glad you found your place doug .

Jun 19, 2026 - 12:56:47 PM

18162 posts since 6/30/2020

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!

Jun 19, 2026 - 7:33:17 PM

HarleyQ

USA

3714 posts since 1/31/2005

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

Jun 20, 2026 - 4:18:11 AM

banjoy

USA

11948 posts since 7/1/2006

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

... and you have a lot of heart.

Jun 20, 2026 - 8:43:24 AM

Nopix

USA

406 posts since 6/11/2025

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!

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