To Donna

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I just read your last post, & all I can say is " Wow! " You are really

being hit with a lot all at once! I'm so sorry about what you're

having to deal with & I totally understand the " pity party. " I think

we are all entitled to an occasional pity party, don't you?

I have a son that's a heroine addict too. And recently found out

he's got HCV. So please, feel free to talk to me. I could use your

support too. I think one of the hardest things for us mom's to deal

with is the fact that we're basically helpless. Our kids have to

want to help themselves. I pray that your daughter completes rehab &

will be able to stay clean. Not only for her sake but for the baby

too.

I had the same thing happen to me with the financial stuff. I was

getting $800 a month disability, & when they started giving me more

b/c my son was under 18, I lost all my medical assistance. Like you,

I was only about $50 over the limit. My meds were also costing over

$600 a month. (I'm very grateful to my parents for helping me.) So

I got medicare (which doesn't pay 100% or pay any for prescriptions)

& ended up receiving only $752 a month b/c they took out money for

the monthly premium. Then I recently got all excited b/c I was going

to get $11 more a month for disability. WOOHOO!!! $11 WHOLE

DOLLARS!!!!! But the medicare premium went up to $12. So I actually

ended up with $1 less than I had in the first place. ARGH!!! Since

my son turned 18 yesterday, I'm losing all disability benefits for

him & what little child support I was receiving (largest amount being

$80 a month.) So I'm reapplying for assistance. It's soooo

frustrating. I constantly feel like I'm being punished for being

sick. I payed a lot of money into the system for a lot of years, &

am constantly fighting to get assistance that I feel I am entitled

to. And I know people here who work the system, & get more

assistance than I do. And they work, own vehicles, own property,

etc. About all I own is my cats! I get tempted to lie on

applications but I don't think I could live with myself if I did

that. It would just create more stress for myself if I did that.

Anyways, I just want you to know that I am thinking about you & pray

that your daughter is successful in her rehab program. Try to do

something for yourself every day, & look for the good things. Even

if they hide from you. I try to think of at least one thing I'm

grateful for every day. Even if it's just my kitties. But, like

you, I can get oever whelmed by all that I've lost & have to deal

with evey day. Sometimes you just have to go hour by hour. And vent

whenever you need to people who understand & care.

Warm hugs,

Deanna