While I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment of giving your time and setting an example for the little ones, the allocated charity donations is perhaps the last thing I would change.

If this were a year ago in hot seller market I may be more inclined to eat some cost myself, but market sentiment has shifted in many locations.

We're at war with Russia...just not with our soldiers and that will keep energy and food prices high...and anti-China sentiment is high. 

I agree with you on your sentiment on PM's they are the same in my area. 

Plus the sentimental value of it being in my husband's family for 70 years.

I understand the sentiment of having a written contract but it really does not make a bunch of difference here.. a default is a default.. you have to litigate it if you have a written contract and you have to litigate it if you don't... so don't get to beat up about that part .. of course its best to have. but its not the end of the world. 

Not only had it been a vacation rental for the last 4 yrs, but it also had the sentimental value as well.

There are a lot of emotional and sentimental values that go into a home and family that are priceless.

@Karen Pratt I second @Jimmy Moncrief 's sentiment!  

I know that sentiment and have been there done that..