My Mother Got Cancer Then I Moved Us to Mexico
By Ellen Richardson, Wiki Web Warrior Staff
Then I got another shock. I called my husband at work and gave him an update.
Our relationship became strained after I caught him cheating with a coworker. But I took him back believing our marriage was worth saving.
I worked as a paralegal for a Phoenix law firm. Dan ran a real estate agency in the Phoenix area and brought in most of the money in our household.
He made easily enough to support us.
But when I told him I’d have to cut back on work to get mom to her various treatments and get her through this difficult diagnosis, Dan said no.
Mom encouraged me to leave Dan after the affair and maybe he knew it.
Still, I found it hard to believe after everything he would be so heartless in a life and death situation.
Starting Over with a New Life
Dan’s reaction strengthened my resolve. I decided my marriage was over and my mom’s health took priority.
But I also wondered how I could afford to take care of my mom with no job and no prospects.
Then I remembered a trip Dan and I took to Cabo San Lucas. I read that cancer treatment could be cheaper in Mexico. And the lower standard of living allowed my savings to go further until I found a new opportunity.
The beautiful surroundings also brightened our spirits as mom faced a difficult ordeal with her health.
I started working online at first doing social media marketing. I did some work for a marketing firm in Phoenix before starting with the law firm.
Stumbling Into a New Business
But my next business venture resulted from a complete accident. And this experience taught me to always keep my eyes open for that next big opportunity.
On my first trip to Cabo, I exchanged my U.S. dollars for Mexican pesos. A dollar will get you between 19 and 20 Pesos depending on the exchange rate.
I went down to scout out a house for my mom and I – and found them pretty affordable.
But when I came back to the states and exchanged my Pesos for U.S. dollars, I was surprised.
I ended up with slightly more money in U.S, currency than I exchanged in the first place.
That started me wondering. Could I make money somehow from the differences in exchange rates? Would it work not just between the U.S. and Mexico, but all around the world?
With a bit of research online and chats with some leading gurus, I discovered the world of Forex – or the Foreign Exchange Market.
And it became another means of bringing in the money I needed to take care of my mom and I while in Mexico.
Finally, I found myself returning to my first love.
The scenic beauty of Cabo San Lucas includes views of the Sea of Cortez.
As a teenager, I discovered photography while living in rural Arizona.
Now, landmarks like The Arch of Cabo San Lucas and beautiful beaches and wildlife enticed me to again begin snapping photos on morning walks.
I found my new hobby exhilarating and rewarding. But before long, I learned something else quite amazing.
I discovered to my surprise that I could easily sell these beautiful photos online.
I found it hard to believe I could start making money from something I already enjoyed.
Reveling in New Beginnings
My story shows that reinventing your life is definitely possible.
My mother’s cancer entered remission. And we live a very happy and healthy life.
We plan to stay in Mexico. We both feel we have found a new home here.
I faced many obstacles to reach this place in my life. At one time, I envisioned a very different future.
But struggles come to us all. Turn those struggles into new opportunities. Stop focusing on what you lost.
The future always offers hope. We only need to open our eyes to see it.
Ellen Richardson lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her park ranger husband and five children. She enjoys Jane Austin novels and has a Chocolate Lab named Mr. Bingley.
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