Reflections From a Country Girl

Jerry called this evening.  It has been an active couple of days and we agreed I would be down next week to take him to a vocational rehabilitation appointment as well as to an opthamologist appointment at a local clinic that will see him based on his income.  

I could tell he was cautiously optimistic on the other end of the phone.  He had gotten a phone call from DSS earlier in the day and he did qualify for foodstamps.  The voucher would be in his mail tomorrow. 

He was encouraged.  He was so relieved that “someone finally believed him.”  he said. 

He had recently met with a kind and focused Social Security staff member to file an application for SSI and SSDI.  One was because of his documented disability since the coma/stroke and the other was for basic social security benefits.  The staff member was exceptional.  He asked why we were there and we told him that the medicaid office said we had to apply there first before he could qualify for medicaid.  We explained that we really were not sure why, but perhaps the medical records would give him information he needed.  As soon as he saw the medical reports, he was quick to say “I see. Let’s get started.” He explained it would take two to three months before he heard.  He said to make sure Jerry calls him if he hasn’t heard in three months.  

 

Three months.  

Jerry is still homeless.  All the places he will apply for expect that he will have some kind of income.  Since he has none, except the food stamps, that will be hard to do.  We suspect that, with the hope of having SSI or SSDI in the next few months, that will be enough for him to get on a waiting list.  Most said it would be at least a years wait.  There were a few, however, that said three to six months.  That was encouraging. 

I just hope he can hang in there that long until the possible funds come through for him to get in a meager but decent housing situation.  We promised to talk every day to each other.  Though we are two hours away, that will make the connection and the hope seem closer.  

I heard encouragement in his voice for the first time today in a very long time.  I am sure I will see some of that in his eyes when I go to his appointments with him next week.  I am happy for him that he has been able to see glimmers of hope hear and there.  

There are many of us finding trying times these days.  Jerry’s story is but one of many.  As we waited and watched, we could see there were families and other individuals in similar circumstances.  

My wish for you today is that you look for glimmers of hope in trying times.  It may take awhile to see them, but if you hang in there, you, too, may discover them as Jerry is beginning to.  

~ Joellen

This entry was posted on Friday, February 20th, 2009 at 2:20:am and is filed under Conflicts, personal challenges. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.