Replies to '07/01 A Secret Inside: Extreme Hoarding'

Quote From: cdp1973

I grew up with a mother who still continues to hoard.  She has actually become worse now that my father has passed and my sister and I do not live at home.  I have not been inside her house in 11 years.  My sister was last in about 4 or 5 years ago.  When I was growing up it was just "stuff" she collected, mail, piles of clothes, etc.  She rarely cleaned or washed dishes.  We ate almost every meal at my Grandparents house who lived 4 houses away.  I could never have friends over and when I did, it was at my Grandparents.  As we got older and had friends pick us up we would watch and run outside so that they didn't have to come to the door.  My sister tells me that my mother now has her kitchen packed with garbage-- empty pepsi and food containers.  We also know that the kitchen sink does not work, nor does the stove or refrigerator.  I think the bathroom sink is broken but the faucet still works and I believe there is something wrong with the toilet.  She did buy a small dorm size refrigerator but has no freezer.  Her car is packed full of stuff-- there is only space for her to sit.  I dread having to deal with that mess if and when something happens to her.  Thank God that her dog died about 5 years ago b/c I can't even imagine  what that poor dog dealt with.  She does get her grass cut b/c the neighbor does it for $20.  No one should have to live this way.  I now struggle b/c I feel like everything has to be spotless and germ-free.  It has taken me years to realize that I can relax and have a clean home without driving my self crazy thinking that I will end up like her.  And with a husband, 2 kids and a dog, I was completely worn out.  I do not know what my mother's problem is but she has always held down a decent job and has friends but this is ridiculous.  She has no idea what she has done to us not only b/c of the hoarding but I think she has other mental issues as well,  I am glad that people are starting to talk about this and I feel like I can start to deal with this.  I truly understand what these children are going through,  and it is just not right.