Remake America: Getting through tough times together
Friday, June 8, 2012 Times are tough—for many of us, if not all of us. I must admit that the last couple of years have been the most economically difficult ones Jim and I have faced in our 30 years together, due to lost jobs, lost income, lost retirement funds. And we're far from being out of the woods yet.
We're definitely not alone. Yahoo's Remake America web series makes that abundantly clear—while providing hope for all of us. The Remake America weekly video series, an election year initiative that kicked off in March, follows the lives and challenges of six families as they strive to get back on track toward achieving the American dream. The tagline of the show is Real families, real challenges, your solutions as Yahoo! visitors are invited to participate and connect with the families by viewing the weekly episodes then posting comments—advice, opinions, encouragement—for the folks featured. Additionally, experts weigh in on the challenges of the chronicled families.
One great thing—at least as far as instilling hope for struggling grandparents like many of us here on Grandma's Briefs—is that one of the six stories on Remake America is that of grandparents Bill and Donna Clarke (above). The Clarkes face tough challenges similar to what other baby boomers may be currently working through.
For many years, Bill and Donna lived “the American dream.” They provided well for their three children, owned two homes, traveled the world. Then Bill suffered a stroke. He could no longer work the corporate position he'd held for years, so he and Donna decided to open their own hardware business. They used their retirement funds and now, thanks to the economy bringing their livelihood to the brink of collapse, Bill and Donna are struggling, to say the least. Difficult as it is facing home foreclosure and more, matters are made worse as their daughter Erin, a single mom of three-year-old twins who's featured along with them in "Remake America" episodes, faces losing her home as well.
The Clarkes were one of the families chosen for Remake America because their story was so impactful, says DeAndrà Harrison of DKC Public Relations, Marketing & Government Affairs, a representative for Remake America. After the tragedy of his stroke, "Bill had a second chance, instead of just saving his money and surviving, he put it all in a business that he had no idea would be successful. They have been struggling to hold on to that 'second chance' ever since."
You might think viewing Bill and Donna's struggles would be depressing, but the Clarkes express surprising hope and optimism. I had the opportunity to ask a few questions of Bill, and his responses show the same positive attitude he and his family exude in the Remake America episodes, despite the challenges they face and difficult choices they must make.
Grandma’s Briefs: In what ways has it been difficult for you to share your circumstances and challenges (hardships with business, foreclosure of home, etc) with strangers online?
Bill Clarke: It has not been difficult sharing our situation with strangers. Once we first made the decision to participate, we did not look back!
GB: What have been the positive outcomes of your experience with Remake America? What are some of the negative outcomes?
BC: The overall experience has been very positive. We would definitely do it again. Thanks to RA, our business really has a chance to survive. I feel overwhelmed with the support we have gotten from so many strangers. It's just great to see Americans helping Americans. I am surprised at the communications I get about us being an inspiration to other small business owners. The only negative part is some of the comments, but we try to not let that bother us.
GB: How has your situation affected your time as a grandparent?
BC: I just don't have the time I wish I did to spend with my grandchildren. I just missed Erin's twins' birthday party. I hate that. I felt I missed a lot with my own kids because of my job, and here I go again!
GB: What do you hope your children and grandchildren learn from you documenting your challenges?
BC: I hope my grandchildren and others watching learn to keep praying, and keep swimming. With the help of God, and lots of hard work, anything is possible.
GB: Your daughter Erin is facing financial difficulties of her own and is also featured in Remake America episodes. How does it feel to be going through the tough times at the same time as your daughter?
BC: I hate not being able to help my daughter financially. It is very difficult watching her struggle, and know I can do little to help. I just have to trust in her heavenly father.
GB: What have you learned about yourselves—personally and as a couple—from your health and financial struggles as well as by being featured on Remake America that you would not have learned otherwise?
BC: I have learned what I already knew, that my wife is terrific. She has been through so much since my stroke. It has been so wonderful to have her at my side.
You can view the most recent Remake America episode featuring Bill and Donna Clarke HERE. Be sure to view previous episodes, too, to learn their story from the beginning. And don't hesitate to leave comments for Bill and Donna. They may be the grandparents being featured, but we're all going through these economic struggles together, and a little encouragement and hope goes a long way toward recovery for us all.
Remake America is part of Destination 2012, Yahoo! News’ yearlong elections program. Find out more and catch up episodes featuring the Clarkes as well as the stories of the five other families featured by visiting Remake America on Yahoo!
Photo credit: Anna Naphtali Photography
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post.
Today's question:
What advice has best helped you get through difficult economic times, past or present?
Reader Comments (10)
This is a test because the stupid CAPTCHA function is overriding comments despite me having it turned off. I apologize to anyone trying to leave a comment.
I think this web series must be based on the old saying, "Misery loves Company." I know that when I'm feeling down about most everything, it helps to know that there are others who are going thru a hard time, too, and still they struggle to get through it sanely, that I'm not the only one with worries.
At least this couple still have each other; being a widow for eighteen years now, sometimes, I feel I could do a lot better if I just had my beloved Jerry with me. Then again, I know I'm not the only widow in the world. And, I do have a large family I can call on when I need encouragement.
My best reminder is from the Bible: God will never give you more to handle than the strength and ability to handle it that He also gives you.
I would say for Grampy and I it was the last 5 years that have been a struggle and fortunately we are now seeing a light at the end of that ugly tunnel. 3 years ago I took a temp job at a loan modification company and it really made me look at things differently and it helped to get us back on the right track. In many cases (NOT ALL) it wasn't that people couldn't afford their homes -- they couldn't afford their life styles. A perfect example -- debit card charges of $25 to $50 a week at Starbucks but 3 months behind in mortgage payments. It made me look at our bank statements very carefully and figure out if we were really spending our money on the right things. Now we might dine out twice a year instead of twice a week. That a lone has made a huge difference!
Hopefully life will get better soon for everyone!
I haven't encountered the CAPTCHA yet? Using Firefox fwiw:)
However, I have encountered severe economic difficulties at various times in my life. Best bits of advice I received: Don't give up and don't give in. This too shall pass.
Thanks for sharing the Remake America series, so I can tune in. No idea it even existed!
Ann, Kc, and Kelly: Thanks for breaking through the CAPTCHA barrier (if you encountered it) and for your honesty. I can't imagine any of us have made it through the past few years completely unscathed. You all offer good advice, things to keep in mind as we all keep plugging along.
Great post Lisa. Things are no better here in the UK, house prices are not moving so no one can afford to sell even to downsize. My husbands job is very shaky as his office branch has closed down and he's now working from home, although they still have other branches in England. You never know whats around the corner but lets hope things will get better. I think the couple on the TV programme are very brave telling their story to help others.
Anne: I agree completely about the Clarkes being brave. Sharing financial struggles is difficult, I think. I even worried a bit that my husband would be a tad peeved that I admitted here how hard things are right now. But, like Ann said, since so many of us are going through it, it makes the sharing a little easier. Thanks for visiting after your shopping! :o)
Well, I could write pages of advice on that question! I use to have a hard time talking about it, but no more. We were hit hard, just before the economy went bad as both of us had health issues at the same time; my husband had cancer. 6yrs ago we lost everything and started over. We are still struggling but at least my husband has a full time job again but at half the pay. We both look for opportunities everywhere to earn extra $. Thanks to both our childhoods and very frugal parents we knew how to cut back on our spending and get through; basicly anything not needed to keep us alive is not purchased. I greived for a long time over our lost life style, but this last year I've started to get past that. Grand kids make life wonderful and that has distracted me. Blogging has helped too; I've met some really great people online, like Lisa, and I know we will make it ok now. Our kids are all doing well in the $ department and for that I am gratful as we could not help them if they needed it. I enjoyed reading about the Clarkes and I am glad they ae making it through.
This post resonated with me on so many levels. As you know Lisa, I've been hit pretty hard with the recession, having lost a well-paying job almost three years ago, and not having been able to bounce back since. I tried everything I could think of and nothing worked. I finally decided it was in my best interest to take another road and new challenges, so I went back to school and began writing on a more serious level. I have a very long, uphill climb, but I'll get there. It is tough to watch other in similar situations as my own, but at the same time, comforting in the knowledge that I am not in this alone.
Connie and Terri: So much of what you two are saying resonates with me! So many similar hardships on my end. You two are tough nuts and I'm so impressed by your persistence and continued motivation with new ventures to do what you can to get yourselves upright. You're both an inspiration! ♥