You are the professional now. Perhaps a successful business owner. Maybe a high-level executive in charge of people and budgets and measurable metrics. There is no doubt that you know your business, your team and your desired outcomes.

Despite the success, you may dread going home. Your childhood home is in shambles. A parent that won’t let you help them out, no matter what you try to do. This isn’t something you share with anyone, because they wouldn’t understand. They might continue to judge you, despite the fact that it isn’t a problem you created or are responsible for. BUT you feel responsible and one day you know the burden of dealing with it will fall on your shoulders.

So you soldier on, alone, hoping that this time it will be different. Hoping that your parent that hoards will see the light, hire some help or at least acknowledge they have a hoarding problem.

You know its too much to ask, but you still keep that small flame of hope flickering. This time you decide to engage with your parents, attempt to ignore the pile of stuff and newspapers and boxes and canned food expired long ago lining their kitchen shelves. Your visit goes well all things considered and in the end you are glad you did make another attempt at seeing them.

When you return home to your life and your clean apartment, you are grateful that you have found a different way of living. But you know you need to come up with a plan, as your parents health isn’t that great and the burden will become greater on you eventually.

You look for help and do your search on the internet, but come up empty handed.

WHO can possibly understand this problem? 

HOW on earth can you explain it to someone else? 

DOES anybody actually know what it’s like to have a hoarding parent in your sphere of influence? In your network, your circle?

Yes. Yes, you do know someone now if you are reading this article.

My name is Tammi and I deal with hoarding head on, with compassion and empathy while we create a plan of attack. A plan for you; to keep you going, to be heard and have your needs supported. A plan for when you must start dealing with the hoarding parent and their needs. You are not alone and you now know someone who “gets it.” Don’t let another day go by before reaching out to get the support you need.

Tammi Moses is the founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of Homes Are For Living, LLC which is a Veteran Woman Owned & Operated business located in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, WA. She provides consultations, assessments and workshops on the issue of hoarding and inspiring others to take their adversity and use it for the greater good. She is the voice of #AKOPTH-Adult Kids of Parents That Hoard. You can connect with Tammi via Email: homesareforliving@gmail.com on Twitter and on Facebook.