Louisiana is dismayed at the news her friend in Texas has shared with her in her last email. She writes a letter of encouragement, in the hope of bringing some peace in her stricken friend's life.
Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2004, 1:10 p.m., C.S.T.~
Dear Diane~
I was so sorry to hear of your family's troubles. I am so sorry; is there anything I can do for you? If need be, I will put you on the prayer list at my church, Christ Community Assembly of God; and we will most certainly lift you up in prayer! It sounds like you are really going through the wringer right now!
I am sorry your husband's disability has been refused and that you have to start all over. That is awful! But you can fight this; I happen to know some attorneys who specialize in disability claims, and they can help. They have helped me when I needed it, and they are very good at what they do. If you want, I can send you some information on how to reinstate, and how to fight the decision from the Social Security Disability Office. If you get denied again, you can reapply; and usually you can get it the third time. I know: when I first became disabled, I had to go on SSI, and at first, I was denied; but I fought the system, and I was eventually given disability. I still get disability even now (due to my back problems, my arthritis, and also my having epilepsy; as well as my "dwarfism"; I AM a "little person" you know!), but because I work now, my disability has been drastically cut; but I still do get a "LITTLE something" every month, which DOES help! It may seem kind of trite or sound wrong, but nearly everyone who applies for disability the first time gets denied; and usually the second time (or even the third time), they get approved; but it may be as long as six months to a year before you get your first disability check. The waiting and the not knowing is probably the hardest part in trying to get disabillity benefits. I know; I have been there, more than once, if not for me or my husband, but also for my children who have disabilities.
I also know that the process of having to go to SS is a hassle (all that waiting and all that darn paperwork!), but when you get your first check, it is worth it, and it will help when the bills start piling up.
You can also talk to your church pastor or a trusted friend about your struggles; it helps to get the frustration and pain you are currently feeling out of your system. It isn't going to do you, your husband, or your kids any good if you are stressed; they are going to pick up on it, and it is just going to make things worse. No, it isn't easy by a long shot, but there IS help, if you konw where to look or how to go about finding it and then DOING something about it. Don't take this with your husband's disability being denied; you CAN fight this, and you CAN win!
I am also sorry to learn of Rosita's breathing problems; hopefully she is feeling better by the time you get this later today. I was also sorry to hear of your having to have an MRI and the possiblity of a tumor in your head. I will most certainly pass this information to Christ Community Assembly of God; and we will have a major prayer meeting on your behalf! We are happy to pray for those in need, and we are firm believers in the power of prayer; we have seen God's mercy and grace in action, and we have seen more than our shares of Miracles! So don't give up hope! Just turn your problems to the Cross, and learn to trust in God; and He WILL help. He has helped ME on more than one occasion, and He will most certainly help you! All I have to say is this: I pray that the MRI shows NOTHING wrong, and I pray that all goes well! God CAN work Miracles if you just believe and put all your trust in Him! You have GOT to believe me on this!!
You sure have had your share of problems lately, haven't you, Diane? When I read your tearful letter, my heart just broke; and I couldn't help but cry out to God to help you! You may not see or feel it now, but God IS there, in the midst of ALL your trials, and He WILL help! All you have to do is cry out to Him; and He will hear you, and He WILL help you! I am as close to you as the computer, or even my phone; and if you'd like I can give you my phone number, and you can call me. I will try to make myself available to you as best as I possibly can, and if you can't reach me at first, keep trying: I WILL get back to you EVENTUALLY! Even if it is just to unload on me, I WILL listen, and I WILL try to help you as best as I can. I am a mother and a wife, and I DO care for you!
As for this business of "not having a Christmas this year", you CAN and WILL have a Christmas! All you have to do is go to your church or to the Salvation Army and you can sign up for help; they WILL help you. That is what they are there for, and just because you may need food, clothing, gifts, or whatever, that doesn't make you a bad person. You are just going through some financial and physical struggles now, and they WILL help! Don't be afraid to ask for help when you are struggling! You needn't face this alone; there are many people who are struggling, and these people who help or work with poor people understand what they are facing, and they WILL help if you just let them! They will even get you a TREE if that is what you need; we have worked with the Salvation Army on past occasions, ringing the bells, feeding the homeless, or whatever, and we always enjoy helping out those less fortunate than ourselves! Let me say this to you again: You CAN and you WILL have a Christmas this year! You have GOT to trust me on this!
Well, darlin', I have to run now; have to go to the store and get some more food. With MY army we go through food like nobody's business! YIKES! LOL I will write again soon; please try to keep your chin up and know that if you ever need to talk, just call me. I WILL make myself available to you, and I WILL listen! I love you, and I pray that things get better for you SOON! God bless you, and know that He is there for you ALWAYS, no matter WHAT you may face! He will NEVER abandon you...EVER! That's how much He cares for you!!
(((HUGS))) and much love (and prayers), your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah. :( >tears<
Even with all life's ups and downs this is one terrific write. Very touching. I love you pic. too. Trish.
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd
11/16/2004
I agree with everything the others have said and do not give up on the disability there are ways to help you. Typically you are turned down twice and there are lawyers out there to help and can only charge a limited fee. Keep the faith and your friends at the den are pulling for you. A heart wrenching write.
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Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2004, 1:10 p.m., C.S.T.~
