First, to everyone who has donated, thank you! I can’t say how much I appreciate each and every donation, and each and every one of you, especially given the current economy. Having been out of work for more than a year now, life has been interesting.
I never anticipated that I would be out of work for this long. However, getting hit by lightning is a touch traumatic and leads to all sorts of issues. Who knew? Getting all the medical issues that have come up directly, and apparently indirectly as well, dealt with as best possible (see this column for some details) has taken time but as I noted in a previous post, other than my shoulder joints needing replacement (and lower back not doing well), we seem to have most things contained. I continue to adjust to the hearing loss and other issues.
The real problem has been and will be the memory issues for some time. I’m told the brain will heal in about three years. Then we will learn if the long-term memory issues are permanent or not, and the short-term memory should return to normal. I certainly hope so, as it blows to have the short-term memory of a mayfly. Even with the coping mechanisms I’ve been taught, it is not fun. You get a great idea for a column, oooh yeah need to be sure to add this, and SQUIRREL! If the idea wasn’t written down, it’s gone and it doesn’t take much to act as a squirrel. Flippin tree rats…
While I am working my way back physically as much as I can, I can no longer do truly physical work. Even if my body could handle it, my shoulder joints and lower back can’t. The short-term memory issues make it hard to learn new things and even with all the coping mechanisms I, frankly, space it every now and then. The other day on Twitter I made a comment about a character in the left of a picture when I meant the right. Thankfully someone who understands let me know, nicely, and I was able to correct things.
It used to be writing columns like this and others was something I could knock out in about 30 minutes. These days, with re-reading and editing, plus having to take extra steps on the writing, it literally takes hours. Even so, some typos (and helpful autocorrections I can’t seem to get turned completely off) get through. Apologies, but there is only so much I can do.
I really had wanted to be moved by now, but getting all the medical taken care of (or at least as much as we can for now) has taken more time than I expected. Still planning, plotting, and working on it, but just not happening as soon as I want.
In looking at things, I recently decided to take two steps I really had hoped to avoid. I am applying to retire (early), which is one set of bureaucratic hurdles. I can’t actually do so until Mid-December, and no idea how long the process may take if I am indeed allowed to retire early. I’ve also filed for disability with Social Security, which looks to be 17-24 months of process at best with no guarantee of being approved.
All of which means, for now, that I remain far more dependent upon your generosity than I care for, desire, or — most of all — deserve. I hate having to ask for the help more than I can say. That said, I also appreciate your gifts, your prayers, and your support and encouragement more than words can express. I will never truly feel that I deserve it; but, I do appreciate it more than I can begin to express. Most of all, and most importantly, however, is that I appreciate each and every one of you for all that you do in thought, word, and deed.
Writing is the best thing I can be doing to help my mind heal they tell me. So, I thank each of you that jump in with good, thoughtful, and encouraging comments. I hope that my writing in some small measure helps those looking at preparedness for the first time, and that other posts spark thought, laughter, and other good things. Thank you for that continued support and encouragement! My regular readers rock! The rest of you do pretty good too for the most part, hope you become regular readers. 🙂 As I’ve noted before, I don’t always get to reply as often as I should, but that too is slowly starting to get a little better and I want to keep pushing to respond when I can.
With luck and other things, including the blessings that are your gifts and encouragement, I will continue to plug along and eventually get moved. Thank you all, and as I’ve said before, if there are alternatives to PayPal you think I should consider, let me know. Working to try to get the money up to rent a PO box per some of those conversations too.
More soon, but felt I owed an update on things. Thank you all so very, very much!
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If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSe
It should not take anywhere near that long to be approved for Social Security Disability. I helped a friend through it and it was only about 4 weeks. I took her directly to the SSA office and went with her to her interview, so I could make sure she understood the questions and gave the correct answers.
With all the medical issues you have, it should be simple, and you should NOT need a lawyer (who can make these things take longer because they get more money that way).
No, it should not; but, unfortunately at least here they are still operating in lockdown mode. Masks mandatory, few people in, and pretty much nothing being done in the office. Any forms or additional info? Has to be done by phone, with a two-month wait currently for an appointment to do things by phone. Tried to get in to see someone, reason I went to the office, no joy. Just got a message from them that they have started the medical review, and it will take four months to complete (barring them needing/wanting more info). Have been hearing from others that this is standard nationwide right now. Interestingly enough, the SS is more pessimistic on the time it will take total than the person who helped me get the process started. Ridiculous is one of the words I want to use for the process and hoops…