urgent need for advice and prayers

**many houseapes** · 06-24-2007, 01:09 PM

I've been keeping this bottled up for awhile and its going to make for a long post..................
In 2005, right before Christmas,dh was fired from his job b/c he valued his family over his demanding,intrusive job(wanted him available 24/7).At the time we were expecting our 10th child.The unemployment lasted 6 months.
Although dh is working now, he is making almost $4 less an hour than his old job. It is now taking dh, our oldest 4 kids working,SSI for the baby & whatever I can do at home to make ends meet.
(sorry if I seem to be jumping from one thought to another)
Our 10th baby was born July last year & had some health issues that were baffling doctors...he was finally diagnosed in April with Downs Syndrome. We are thankful that his case is mild. In spite of some minor heart problems,mild hypotonia and a minor surgery that he is facing, he is doing remarkably well.

fastforward to today...we thought that we were finally getting out of the hole...it had taken us since january to build up an EF and we finally paid off our only personal vehicle...we were nearly at the $1000 mark for the EF when BAM!...the stupid van(beast as we call it) decided to die...the entire engine has to be replaced...that means that we have to get a loan for $5,000.

I am so tired of living like this...I realize that I am not the only one that this happens to, but it seems as if everytime that we even dream of getting ahead the slightest bit -we're knocked further in the hole.I hate the feeling that hangs over our heads that the slightest catastrophe could cost us our home...everything.I feel so numb.
I desperately need everyone's prayers and any encouragement that you have.
Sorry for being a cry-baby...I just needed to vent.

**thrifty gal** · 06-24-2007, 01:15 PM

Sending you many hugs and prayers. I know exactly how you feel, and I'm sure most here do.

**autumnlynn** · 06-24-2007, 01:49 PM

I'm really sorry you've had such a hard time. I'm sending many hugs and prayers your way.

**fernykins** · 06-24-2007, 01:51 PM

Many Houseapes........... Bigs ugs to you and yours.......... I know the feeling.
Fern

**SandNOceanGirl** · 06-24-2007, 01:55 PM

I know exactly how you feel...I know it is very frustrating, but you keep you chin up and everything will work out! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts!

**baxjul** · 06-24-2007, 02:05 PM

Keeping you and your family inmy thoughts!

**staceyy** · 06-24-2007, 02:39 PM

I'm praying for you and your family.

**MarshHen** · 06-24-2007, 03:19 PM

Oh sweetie, DH and myself have been down this road so many times. Seems like it's never ending, but, things will get better, I promise. Glad you were able to vent a little. Venting is good for the soul. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. We are here for you.

**cau** · 06-24-2007, 03:59 PM

Hang in there, all our prayers will help you . Don't be so rough on yourself. Not only are you recovering from the baby but the baby's health issues had to be tough. Also know you are not alone. It seeemms we take 1 step forward and 2 back.

**kaykwilts** · 06-24-2007, 04:00 PM

I am so sorry this is happening to you. You have a lot on your plate to handle. I will pray for you.

**many houseapes** · 06-24-2007, 05:07 PM

you are all so wonderful

There is a little story about the baby's SSI. After applying for it, I started having second thoughts about accepting it...I guess that it was out of pride - I just hated the thought of asking the gov. for help...but then again, I was torn b/c I wanted to do the best for my son that I could.
I talked with the case worker & she said she's send a withdraw form & for me to sign it & send it back & when I recieved the check,to mail it back as well.
Well...I did all that & I was still wrestling with the decision..did I do the right thing? was I short-changing my son? Is it wrong to accept this help? Lord what am I suppose to do? Am I suppose to reapply later if things really got bad?...all sorts of questions going through my head.
After awhile, I called the case worker to see if she had recieved the check....she said that she hadn't & that she hadn't recieved the withdraw form either....I had sent the form in 3 weeks prior. She pleaded with me to accept the SSI & since she hadn't recieved the withdraw form,she would just keep the case open & that she would send the check back when it arrived at her office.
So...I waited for a few days...no check. I called her & she assumed that it was lost in the mail & for me to come in & get a replcement check. I go in & they found it...it had arrived there at the office 6-11..it was now 6-15...the check never reached the worker's desk....so they gave it back to me.On the way home, I noticed that someone had opened it & stamped "non-negotiable" on it....I couldn't cash it.....so I had to go back to the office & get the mess straightened out. We recieved the replacement check sooner than they said.

I see this as an answer to prayer....I was suppose to accept the SSI...and the timing of the check was too perfect...all of that trouble & delay was for our good. Had it not been delayed,we would not have made it this month b/c of the unforseen trouble we ran into with the van . I know this all sounds strange...but it is one of those rare instances that God showed me the reason "why".
we have alot to be thankful for...we have a roof over our heads....no one is going hungry.....we're all in pretty good health.....this other stuff will be paid off eventually.
Sometimes I lose sight of the good things & I have to get refocused

thanks everyone for being there

**Mom23boys** · 06-24-2007, 05:55 PM

Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

**Dixie** · 06-24-2007, 06:00 PM

and I'm praying God will bless your family.

**ubumartin** · 06-24-2007, 07:41 PM

Prayers, hugs and good thoughts for you and your family. Hope things get better soon.

**ubumartin** · 06-24-2007, 07:46 PM

Your son qualifies for the SSI, so you should take it. If you were trying to finagle the system and were being dishonest that would be one thing. You and your husband work hard, raise your children and sometimes things happen that are unforeseen. This is what SSI is for. I work in a special needs classroom and with early intervention and physical therapy and speech I am sure he will do great. Best wishes for you and your family and especially that wonderful baby!