The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I don't like asking for anything; however, I could use some prayers at this time. I haven't seen the A in 7 years. He has no contact with our daughter and does nothing for her. I have been struggling lately because daycare for the summer is more than I can afford-$600 per month. I have asked my boss for a raise, but he wouldn't do it. It came to the point where it was sink or swim. I tried getting a 2nd job, but have not received any responses. I had to drop our health care coverage. This was the only thing I could cut since we don't have any luxuries to cut back on. I don't go out, don't have cable TV, no caller ID, etc. The rents in my state are very high, so I had to rent a 1 bedroom condo and sleep in the living room. Our gas & electric has doubled. The Governor is fighting the increase. I have thought of every avenue and this was the only resource I could cut. I make too much to qualify for any type of assistance. I tried going back to school and daycare fell through. I couldn't afford daycare in the evening now if I wanted to go back again. This is reality. I know it won't be forever, but I could really use some prayers. Thank you.
I'm really sorry that you're having to get a taste of reality. It sure sucks. I know, that for me, when my husband was in jail and my income was practically zilch, I asked (gasp!..I hated to ask for anything...I could do it all) a local help center (on someone else's suggestion) for help paying a couple of my utility bills. They also gave me several bags of groceries for me and my teen daughter. Come to find out that the director of the help center was a woman from my church, and she knew my A and his parents. She was more than willing to assist with anything I needed. (Of course, I wasn't about to ask her AGAIN for help...once was the limit in my book.) I also asked a member of my church, who was also an elder at the church and a close friend in whom I confided when my A was first out in the open with his drinking, if the church could help out with some income to help me make ends meet. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, because it made me feel like I wasn't capable of making a living and providing for me and my daughter!
Anyway, my point is, for those of us who think we are not the type to ask for help, that we can "do it all", there really is help out there somewhere. Churches, even if you don't attend one, are willing to help with food, etc., but you just gotta ask. Maybe people here on the board will offer their suggestions on where to go for help.
I do like what you said about this won't last forever. That's very positive considering the situation you're in. I know it's hard to see that far ahead, but it's true. Stay positive, and hang in there. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree with lmt. Ask and it is given. There's no shame in bettering your situation in any way available to you, and the givers are happy to do so. Hold on to your positive outlook and keep a vision of the best life imaginable. Nothing is beyond your dreams.
What goes around comes around :) Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
Of course I will keep you in my prayers. You are fighting hard to keep your head above water, and that is an admirable quality. ANyone who tries as best they can deserves rewards. Things will surely work out for you.
This is another reason to see the movie, "Sicko." Michael Moore, no matter what anyone thinks of him, does a bang-up documentary on the terrible state of health care in our country. SOmething needs to be done so that health care is not a thing that struggling people have to do without. It is time we held Congress accountable for fixing this problem.
Meantime have you checked into the CHIP program for your daughter, or Medicaid as a temporary help?
I wish you both well.
Diva
ps. Sorry for the "bandwagon" post, but this theme touches my heart deeply.
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Thank you all so very much. It makes it doubly hard when you have a grandparent who depends on you too much while suffering from dementia, I can only take so much. Thank you all so much for your support.
Thoughts and prayers for you kissers. None of us really know what will happen to us next, so I urge you to seek help as mentioned by the others here, and you know that you would and will give help to someone else when needed . :)
Definitely check out CHIP and Medicaid, as Diva said. I don't know how long it takes to set up CHIP for your daughter, but when my SO who didn't have insurance tore his ACL, Medicaid was very quick about setting him up with insurance. I was amazed! Of course, that was one particular county in PA, but since it's a federal program, I hope there'd be some similarity.
There's nothing wrong with checking into food stamps with them and anything else they offer, as well as food banks, etc. You're in a rough place and could use a little relief, and those things are for people in your situation. Like you said, it won't last forever, and until it improves, you could use a little of the help that I bet you'd be happy to give if the tables were turned.
I admire everything you're trying to do and the positive attitude you still have. Being in that situation can wear you down. My prayers are with you and your daughter.
Much love and prayers are coming your way. I know how hard the finances can get. That's the one thing that can get both hubby and I really uptight. But I also know that somehow, someway we manage to get through. Like you we are stuck in the middle. We make too much money to qualify for some programs but not enough to stop living on the edge. We are certainly not living the high life. Keep your head up as hard as that is. You are a strong woman and can get through this. If I can get through it, I certainly know you can.
Much love and blessings to you and your daughter.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty (who also sends her love and prayers to both of you)
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Hi Kissers, Not sure where you live, but being a Catholic, I know that most parishes have a St. Vincent DePaul Society to help people who are in some financial dire straits, and there is also Catholic Charities. Not pushing the Catholic thing - it just happens to be the one I know about. Utility companies often have funds to help those in need - the one in my area is called the "Good Neighbor" fund, so maybe you could get a break there. I'll post again if I think of anything else that might help. Love and prayers, MHG
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Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit ("Bidden or not bidden, God is present") - Erasmus
a member of my church, who was also an elder at the church and a close friend in whom I confided when my A was first out in the open with his drinking, if the church could help out with some income to help me make ends meet. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, because it made me feel like I wasn't capable of making a living and providing for me and my daughter!
