Well, Michelle, I have to say, we have the same thoughts as far as your family's reaction. I was struck by the remark, "but you've put so much into it...", yeah! you have! and now you're going to get something out of it!

If I were in your shoes, I would most definitely do the same thing. I agree with all your reasons and would urge you to sit down with a financial planner to budget your boon so you'll be set for the rest of your life.

The house is a house, your life is your life and it's yours!

And man! I hope this lung thing is just a benign anomaly!

P.S. Don't pay cash outright for your medical bills anymore. Go to the billing department and tell them you are a cash patient and need a payment plan. They can magically lower the cost of most everything and will accept no-interest payments most of the time.