Another Unfortunate Foreclosure Incident... Addie Polk's Attempted Suicide

Last Friday, a 90-year old woman in Akron, Ohio attempted suicide as sheriffs were coming to evict her from her property. Addie Polk was found by a neighbor in her bedroom - a long-barrel shotgun next to her on the bed, and her car keys, purse, and life insurance policy in plain view, suggesting that she meant to kill herself.

This incident is just one of the many examples of people who feel that extreme measures are the only way to solve their extreme financial issues. The story was so shocking that the Democrats mentioned it while debating the "bailout" bill on Friday, even saying that "the bill does nothing for the Addie Polk's of the world."

Thankfully, Fannie Mae has agreed to forgive the debt on Ms. Polk's home and give her the property free and clear. But look what had to happen in order for her to achieve this! Without knowing the details of her circumstance, so many questions come to mind... what has happened to the state of the union where a woman in her nineties is STILL responsible for a mortgage? Many people have spoken up since the incident went public, but where was her community BEFORE she shot herself? What resources did she have to help her avoid this situation? Did she reach out for help before deciding this was the only way out?

I don't think the answers will be available until after Addie is released from the hospital. Currently, she is still in critical condition.

I hope this is a wake up call to people... you MUST reach out for help if you feel that you are at the end of your rope. Death is never the answer.... such extremes are an example of short-term thinking. There is ALWAYS another solution.