My mother WILL NOT discuss the situation or any of her problems and has
refused to get professional help! I feel very guilty because I am the
daughter and feel like I should be able to figure-out some way to help
the situation.  At this time we are not seeing each other at all...

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This form was submitted:  Sep 07 2007 / 21:46:18
 DAUGHTER/READERS DIGEST
feedback = Linda's Story

My mother saves everything and it is piled-up throughout their house,
garage, back porch, etc. Piles of magazines, newspapers, garbage,
clothing, etc., 52 years of all types of stuff everywhere with little
pathways to get form place to place. She keeps the house tightly closed up at
all times and does not let anyone in--including myself or other family
members.

At one time [and I don't know if she still does] she was keeping a lot
of cats trapped in her basement without ever letting them out!! I
tried to get the city to help me with this situation but they were
uncooperative.  It was very unhealthy for the cats & humans because she didn't
use litter boxes AND she didn't allow the cat's to have water to drink
so they wouldn't urinate as much.  She claimed a vet told her they
could survive on canned food alone!! It smelled very, very  horrible in
their house the last time I was there--so bad that I was nauseated!! I am
an animal owner and lover so this has always been the most difficult
part about the whole hoarding situation for me!!!

They don't have a working furnace because when theirs broke she
wonuldn't let anyone in to repair it, so they use electric space heaters.  One
time she caught the couch on fire using a space heater but was able to
extinguish it herself.

They didn't have running water for over 10 years [wouldn't let the city
in to read the meter] but I was able to get that turned back on a few
years ago.

My parents are in their 70's and it is unbelievable how they are
living!! We took them to court 10 years ago in an attempt to help with their
well-being but my mother never showed up and my father told the judge
that it was all a lie and they were doing just fine.

My mother WILL NOT discuss the situation or any of her problems and has
refused to get professional help! I feel very guilty because I am the
daughter and feel like I should be able to figure-out some way to help
the situation.  At this time we are not seeing each other at all.

I am thrilled to share my story with others who understand or are in a
similar situation.  It helps to know I am not alone in this problem!!