Monday, September 17, 2012

What We Need

We have been blessed with gifts of so many things. Hubby's current job pays significantly less than his last one and much, much less than the one before that. We have food (Thanks be to God!) we can pay our utility and phone bills, Hubby's health insurance and medication as long as I work. If I don't work, we pray and rely on prayers from others. Gifts show up when we need them most and almost believe there is no hope. When the bank account is empty, we can't buy gas, laundry or dishwashing soap/detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, kitty litter, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, plastic wrap, foil, flea drops, chicken food, baggies, trash bags -- anything that is not food.
It has been the most humbling experience of our lives. Today Hubby and I recalled how many jobs he applied for and how few follow-ups to dead ends we encountered. I never imagined that I would have to take my beloved children to a public health clinic (This week, I spent 2 hours waiting for someone to no-show because there were no appointments available and my Number Two Son was sick). I never imagined that we would lose our private health insurance. Health insurance is not a luxury for a family with food allergies, asthma and immune deficiencies. So we have public health insurance. The application process was stressful and mistakes and delays were even more stressful. The system is intrusive, but we do what they ask, provide what they need because the love of our family comes before pride. The season is changing, we are praying that our situation changes just a the temperature cool, the leaves fall and the days get shorter.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, please continue to pray for us.