It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy. ~George
After waiting for over 3 years to prove to the government that I am truely disabled and can not be retrained into another job skill... Uncle Sam has to give you not only the monthly income you've finally qualified for, but also that which you should have been getting all along. Of course all of this is based on many factors including paying your lawyer's fee's. (Which by law are limited. In my area alone it is a maximun of approx 5,000 US dollars that can be charged. Not counting paper expenses that normally do not run over 100$.)
When I received my 'lump sum' I had only a few bills to pay off that I had acquired during my lengthy waiting period. I was fortunate* I'd had many kind connections that provided me with my almost 600$/month prescription bill and other needs. From that one is left with the amount needed to purchase items such as wheelchairs (another hurdle to pass in steps), lifts for the car and repairing versus purchasing a new vehicle. I was blessed also with a good 10 year old Saturn that needed very little maintenance.
Now I should have set the money aside. I should have budgeted, planned, forseen anything in my future including burial for that money. Truth is...money can not be entirely planned for. Anyone who has ever had a root canal done, car repair, older home to care for- must know that money has it's own idea on where it will go. The more family one is connected to, the further the circle affected by it spreads. (Unless that isn't a priority to you.)
Being a single parent I'd realized early on that I was 2 people. Mom and Dad. (A wise nurse had me list that I did not know who my childs parent 'was'.) The government is way to involved in private home matters as it is. Then again where crime is concerned, not enough.
My only child has come to me many times in her growing up with multiple needs. Why would I think that as an adult this would stop? It takes a hard heart to look at someone you love and deny them a true need* If the grown child is gambling, abusing drugs/alcohol, flaming skyclad all night and can't hold a job- then NO. Mine has a college degree, professional job with good history both work and financially, ethical, moral and contribuiting to society positively. I've learned the more sacrifices I make, the more secure her future has become.
So back on subject. (What was that again? lol!) The remaining lump sum of money*
I had missed out on quite a few moments over the years. Christmas was a major downfall for myself. Now I had the children of the family grown/growing up...and moving all over the country. Nieces, nephews, brothers...that ripple in the water just keeps growing. I've worked very hard over the years trying to make 'moments'. Memories* I have a very large heart in my soul and it has an endless hunger to give love. It is the biggest part of who I am. Family comes FIRST. I was planning the greatest family Christmas ever. My gift to them all.
Once it's spent, it can not come back. Or... can it?
My 15 year old niece opened up packages to her current love of life...asian. She had a celedon tea set, the wooden shoes, kimono, jewelry (nothing extravagant...but simple)...TON'S of asian.
My 9 year old nephew had aw COOL! stuff. A bat house. 4 ft black light. Puppet tarantula...more boy things than one could keep up with.
My grand-daughter opened a complete set of marrionet's and more.
22 year old soon to be wed niece-- hierloom glass tree ornaments in plush case.
20 year old nephew entering the air force. Complete under armor in black. Head to toe.
The adults had equal goodies. I had decided I wanted 'us' to give back to nature. We had butterfly houses, more bat houses, I can't remember the nature gifts being so many. Jars of fireflies, wooly orthopedic shoes, treasured books. The room glowed. Everyone felt treasured. Knowing what I was doing...making up for in myself... made it all the easier as each was a true gift of the heart. Nothing expected in return then or in the future.
I could have held on to that couple of grand. I could have put it in the bank and let it slowly grow...knowing it would get milked away through life's little surprises. That wouldn't be me.
Which is why I am certain I don't have a lot of money, nor ever will. You see... I don't need it as much as most. All I need is love*
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