| ID# 76807 |
Weston, WI | Submitted: 2008-04-06 |
Total Cost:
$1,170.00
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Progress: We've raised 100% of the cost of this application!
Testimonial
This person has left the following thank you note:
I have given this some thought and I have been unable to find the right words that would fully express my gratefulness, thankfulness,blessedness and the overall feeling of warmth in my heart for all who have helped me so generously at my time of great need. I was ready to give up..I lost hope, faith, and belief. The only other time I felt that way was when my 8 year old son died. There is no worst feeling then giving up on life. Everyone in Modest Needs gave all that back to me and more. I look forward to the time I can give back to another in need as others have done for me. Thank you just doesn't say enough. DM
Supportive Grandmother- Rent Help
My Story:
I have been raising my grandson since he was born. He was born prematurely. After being in the hospital for a month or so, he came home, but had medical problems. The most difficult problem was 'seizure disorder/epilepsy'. He had been having small seizures lasting only seconds from birth. But, we didn't know, since they are hard to detect.
Last summer, he had several severe grand mal seizures that lasted over 18 minutes. He was rushed to the hospital and then flown by helicopter to a pediatric intensive care unit hospital an hour's drive away from us. We came very close to losing him. He has left brain abnormality.
My daughter (his mother) had surgery that same morning and was in the recovery room of a different hospital at the time. She has had a very difficult time bonding with her son emotionally and mentally, and has been unable to care for him for long periods of time. She does however, visit with him. She has been diagnosed with severe depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder since she was a child. Years ago, my then 8-year-old son (her brother) died a horrific death in a car accident, and she was in the car as well.
After losing my son, I had a back injury that left me unable to walk for a little over 2 years. I fought the odds and won, and am now walking fine. However, I had a difficult time finding a job, because I was without one for so long.
My blessing came when my grandson was born and my daughter named him after my deceased son. I had cashed in my retirement pension a little at a time to support us, but did not know there is a huge penalty to pay for doing so. Shortly thereafter, I finally got a job, but had only worked there about 5 months when my grandson's emergency seizures started. I have power of attorney for his medical care and needs. I stayed at the hospital with him every day and night for almost 2 months. He had complications. I missed a lot of work, unpaid, and when I went back to work.
I tried to play 'catch up' on my bills. I knew missing all that income would hurt me financially but I buried a young son and was NOT going to bury my grandson. I made a choice to stay with him and watch over his care. When I realized I did not make enough money at my job to ever get caught up, I applied for a better paying job. I was hired, so I gave my prior employer notice of my leaving.
One week later, my grandson got sick and was hospitalized twice in one week. I quit my job, thinking my new job would start in a week. Two weeks went by and I called my new job telling them I was available for work immediately. But, I was told it was going to take longer than they expected, because they only sent in 2 of the 3 background checks and had to schedule an orientation time. They could not give me a starting date at that time.
I finally started my new job in January 2008. I had again tried to play 'catch up'. I paid my rent and car payment, because I thought those bills were most important. However, I ruined my credit because I couldn't cover my utilities or other expenses. I in no way buy anything needlessly. When I started paying a little bit to my other creditors, I got behind on rent.
I am happy to report that I am now caught up on my rent except for the last 6 weeks' worth. My grandson will be 2 1/2 years old soon. His seizures are under control and his neurologist believes if he continues doing as well as he has been, we can take him off of his medication this summer. He can very likely have normal brain development by the age of 6.
My daughter has seen what all this has done to me and is willing and trying to take on more responsibility for him now. I have him enrolled in day care and he is doing great. My landlords have been decent to me, and respect the responsibility I have taken on with my grandson, but I DO owe them the money and do want to repay their kindness by paying them what I owe. I plan to get caught up with them and look for a cheaper place to rent.
With a regular paycheck and lower rent, it may take me a few months, but I feel I can get caught up and hold my own. I was embarrassed and ashamed for my financial situation, but I know now that asking for help does not make me a bad person. I have done the best I can, but it simply has not been good enough these past 2 years. If I can get caught up, I believe I will be able to hold my head up and keep my feet on the ground. I WILL survive this. I just need some help. Thank you for even considering my request.
As of 2008-05-14, this application has been fully funded!
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This request for help was funded at the recommendation and through the support of Modest Needs' donors. |
Application Status Update: On 2008-05-14, Modest Needs sent payment via Check in the amount of $900.00 to Paulette Natzke, Landlord on behalf of this deserving individual.
