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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Fri Apr 27th, 2007 07:17 pm |
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Hi all-
Well, I haven't written a whole lot, because it seems like I never have anything positive to say. I still don't but am in dire need of sympathy, so please allow me to update you on the happenings of my life.
Did I tell you that my wallet got stolen last week? Debits are being made to my account that I now have to sign affidavits for and await reimbursement.
Today, my daughter "took off' again, and thankfully, we have just found her, but after much worry. We expect this to keep happening. She is very angry at me due to my reaction to and slow recovery from my miscarriage. Of course, she does not know all the details and so does not understand my bitterness and how hard I am trying to FORGIVE even when it looks like I am not.
I took my mammogram the day my wallet got stolen and one of my lumps came up "abnormal". A lumpectomy costs apx. $4,000.00. I have no money and no health insurance. I could get a needle biopsy which could be inconclusive and/or show cancer, in which case I still need the lumpectomy. I certainly can't afford two procedures.
I know I'm griping, but I am just really lost as to how I can handle this all.
I should probably post this in the prayer forum, except I don't know if I'm asking for prayers. I think I just need someone to say I'm not alone. I just need to gripe.
Still been crying alot.
Thanks. Love, Laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Prodigal Daughter
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 202 |
| First Name: | Deborah/PD | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptized Catholic, received First Communion, left during Confirmation year. ... |
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Posted: Fri Apr 27th, 2007 08:36 pm |
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Laura,
I'll be leaving for Mass in 20 minutes. I'll offer my Holy Communion for you.
Deb
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"Man should tremble, the world should vibrate, all Heaven should be deeply moved when the Son of God appears on the altar in the hands of the priest."
St. Francis of Assisi
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Darlene
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 868 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Fri Apr 27th, 2007 09:27 pm |
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Dear Laura,
My heart aches for you. The scriptures say that "when one member suffers, we all suffer." So how can I not "feel" for your pain and sorrow? There must be some way you can get health insurance. What about your work? Doesn't your work have health insurance? Or did you just opt out for it? If not, perhaps you should get a job where health insurance is offered, and in a short amount of time after you have started working.
I say that there must be a way to get insurance because I have always managed in difficult times to get insurance. When I had my second child, we were in the lower income bracket and my husband did not get insurance where he worked. But I applied for a program through the hospital for those in low income brackets and the bill was paid for, except for $600.,which was minimal compared to what the total bill came out to be. Another time, our daugher was diagnosed with scholeosis, curveature of the spine. We had no insurance at the time whatsoever, and she needed a spinal fusion. We were informed of the Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia. Let me tell you, they were a Godsend. Many X-rays were taken prior to her operation which in and of themselves would have cost thousands of dollars. Her operation was done by a doctor who was trained by the surgeon who invented the procedure of spinal fusion. Our daughter's doctor was a well respected surgeon throughout the U.S. and the world. When all was said and done, the entire bill was paid for by the Shriner's Hospital, which would have been over $100,000, between the hospital stay, X-rays and the operation itself and all the follow-up care.
I think there are times when a person can find themselves in one difficult circumstance after another, and it never seems to let up. I have been there, and I have known others who have been there. I do not say this lightly but, He makes a Way when there is no way. Read Hebrews 11, the Faith chapter. Look at what all those holy saints of God had to endure, "of which the world was not worthy."
I will hold you in my prayers, dear sister in Christ.
Darlene
Laura, have you thought of talking to the priest at your parish about your situation? Perhaps he or someone in your parish can connect you with some health services. Remember, He can make a Way when it seems there is no way. And this is exactly how I will pray for you.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Talithacumi
Member
| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 308 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 03:28 am |
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Truthseeker wrote: Hi all-
Well, I haven't written a whole lot, because it seems like I never have anything positive to say. I still don't but am in dire need of sympathy, so please allow me to update you on the happenings of my life.
...I know I'm griping, but I am just really lost as to how I can handle this all.
I should probably post this in the prayer forum, except I don't know if I'm asking for prayers. I think I just need someone to say I'm not alone. I just need to gripe.
Still been crying alot.
Thanks. Love, Laura
Laura,
You are not alone! I know exactly how you feel in some of the areas you mention. So many times I am tempted to post things on here, but I feel like I'd be too negative and like I'd be showing myself as self-pitying. So I know how you feel about not posting because you feel you're not being positive. The sad thing is, this means that when we need others the most, then that is the time we are most afraid to ask for their help. Don't be afraid. And pray for me that I will not be afraid, too.
I know what you mean about the insurance. I don't have insurance, either. Nor do I have a job at the moment. I have been searching for months. I think I shared this a few months ago... I have a kidney stone that is supposedly the size of a golf ball. My urologist told me that it's been there for a long time so waiting a couple more months to remove it wouldn't make much difference. So he told me he'd give me four months to find a full-time job that pays insurance. I still don't have one. Trying to find a full time job around here that I can do is not as easy as some people might think. In fact, my brother said that he read a report that said that economically, the area where I live is in the bottom ten of the whole country, second only to the area hit by Hurricane Katrina.
Anyway, I've been searching and searching. I actually did get a part-time job for a couple of months, but it didn't pan out. I won't go into reasons. The point is, I'm not working, I have no way to pay my bills (but by the grace of God - and the help of my family), and if I have to get this kidney stone out next month, according to my urologist, it's likely going to cost over $10,000.
Strangely, though, I'm not worried about it - yet (next month by the time of my appointment I probably will be). I've been taking an herbal remedy that's supposed to dissolve kidney stones. I don't know if it's working or not. My medical doctors say stones this size won't dissolve. But the stone hasn't really been bothering me, so I don't know. I keep praying. I still pray to JPII to intercede for me...
My mom has always been a big proponent of "The Lord will provide." I come from a family of 9. We've never had a lot of money. Yet, somehow the Lord provided for us to go to Catholic schools, we've always somehow managed in health situations, we've always had a roof over our heads and food on the table... so let me say along with Darlene that He can make a Way when it seems there is no way. (Thanks, Darlene, for reminding me... I need to constantly remind myself of this, as well.)
Unlike Darlene, I'm not going to tell you that you can surely get insurance. I don't know if I believe that because of my own experiences. I know how hard it is to find a job. And for me, if I tried getting personal insurance without a job, this would be considered a pre-existing condition, so...
But then, personally (and this is just personally) I don't have much use for insurance - or insurance companies. One time awhile back I was praying about something to do with insurance, and I had a sense of the Lord saying to me, "I am your insurance!" My own personal opinion is that I think it's a shame that people have to rely on insurance. There's something not quite right there. I feel that people put so much faith in insurance, that it's like INSURANCE has become our savior, and we've forgotten how to place our trust in the real Savior. I don't understand why people are expected to have to pay money for potential problems. And then! Half the time insurance companies make up excuses not to pay for stuff anyway. Insurance companies are so powerful that they can tell you how long you can afford to be sick and stay in the hospital and what illnesses you are allowed to have under their provision (that you pay for).
OK, I know I went off on my soapbox... Sorry. I know that even the Catholic Church herself doesn't have a problem with insurance companies (even our dioceses carry insurance and have their own insurance companies). So I'm just giving you my personal take.
Anyway, my mom keeps telling me not to worry. And truthfully, if you can prove you have little or no income, I don't know about your hospital, but the one in our area will often waive your fees. They did that for me for the last couple of emergency visits that I had.
But God is good. I guess we just have to remember that, Laura. He's our Dad. He's not going to abandon us.
P.S. I forgot to mention it, but just in case you need assurance, I will continue to pray for you. Keep the Faith, sister!
JMJ
- Cheri
Last edited on Sat Apr 28th, 2007 03:30 am by Talithacumi
____________________
“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 01:49 pm |
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I told a friend whose daughter just went into and got released from rehab and whose son beat her so severly she had to have swat come out and control him that, as the body of Christ, we are helping to save souls, the great work of Jesus on the cross. I told her Jesus was giving us such honor to let us help Him. I believe that, but it's not easy when you're hurting. Even Jesus was frightened and sad about His suffering.
I trust!
Laura
____________________
Lord, please make my will your Will!
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mrsbmoo
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 344 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 03:26 pm |
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I understand some of your problems, you are definitely not alone. I was without insurance for several years. Try the hospital, our local one does have a prgram to pro-rate services for people without insurance. My sister got help that way when she broke her wrist and needed surgery. Also I agree you should ask your priest about someone in the parish who could help. There may be a Dr in the parish who could do some of it for free. Also any Christian medical clinics in your area? try them even if they aren't Catholic.
I sympathize with your daughter problems. As I have posted before, I have 2 teen daughters and one almost teen. There are days I feel like I will lose my mind trying to save them from themselves. It is a stressful time when a teen reaches the age you have to let them take their own consequences and everything inside of you wants to protect them instead.
There have been many times I have told God I was at the end of my rope and to please tie a knot because I couldn't hang on. I will keep praying for you.
____________________
Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 13 months and 17
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Juan
Member
| Joined: | Tue Oct 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 247 |
| First Name: | unregister | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | unregister |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 09:12 pm |
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Laura,
We will offer a holy hour for you and keep you in our prayers. Even though we have never seen each other, there are many here who love you. And remember, you are always surrounded by God, His Saints and His Angels.
Sincerely,
Juan
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susiedear
Member
| Joined: | Thu Oct 12th, 2006 |
| Location: | Twin Cities, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 186 |
| First Name: | Elizabeth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Pentecostal / Evangelical / Catholic! |
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Posted: Sun Apr 29th, 2007 08:45 pm |
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Dear Laura, you can add me to your fan club / prayer support / empathizer team. I don't have have a suspicious lump, but my family and I do have medical needs, no permanent employment, and no medical insurance. Yes, it's tough. I have thought of you and have prayed for you often the past couple of weeks. Thank you for posting what is happening in your life, as it helps all of us remember you before our Blessed Lord.
Elizabeth
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But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. St. Augustine
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 02:49 am |
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Thank you everyone-
I try to remember that my suffering, most of which is emotional, is aiding my dear Lord in His saving work. I try to remember that I am being shown love and honor, somehow being given much (suffering) to help save people with. It is difficult to comprehend that my suffereing is an act of faithfulness made by a loving God to His beloved daughter, because suffering hurts and because I do not deserve such an extreme privelege as I seem to be getting.
I went to confession two Saturdays ago, received my Lord in communion two Sundays ago and then missed last Sunday's Mass, because I was out of the area in the morning and while I was trying to get myself out of the house for evening Mass my 15 year old asked me to stay with her, as she had had a bad, emotional day, and I was so glad she wanted her mommy - for a change. Today, I went to Mass, and once again, am not receiving the Lord until I get to confession again. My twelve year old moped the whole time and refused to even return a greeting of peace made to her by another parishioner! She essentially took over my 15 year old daughter's role of protestor. So Mass was not peaceful, which is nothing new!
On another note - our new priest was apparantly "let go" by our pastor, and he chose today (after a first communion celebration) to explain why, along with his complaints and protests about it. He even had someone pass out copies of his speech. I felt bad for him, our pastor, and all the families and guests who came for a special occasion, only to receive controversy.
Oh well, the Lord holds all in His hands.
Love, Laura
____________________
Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 01:08 pm |
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Truthseeker wrote: On another note - our new priest was apparantly "let go" by our pastor,
Gosh, I didn't know they could do that, I though bishops swapped people around.
I pray for you too. :X ---> 
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2427 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 04:21 pm |
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Annie wrote:
Gosh, I didn't know they (parish pastors) could do that (remove a priest from his post). I thought bishops swapped people around.
You are right, Annie, it is the bishop’s task to allocate priests within his jurisdiction. Probably the pastor petitioned the bishop, and the bishop acquiesced.
David
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Truthseeker
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 457 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 06:58 pm |
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Our new priest has apparantly had many complaints about his sermons. He has even asked us, several times, to approach him directly instead of to our pastor. I have always liked his sermons, because he really challenges us to be holy, but he also says things like, "no priest or even bishop has the right to.....", and things of the nature that they don't know everything, can't control how you worship, just things like that, but a very lot. He mentioned some things that seemed like personal gripes (reimbursement for meals and such).
I think our pastor told him he could not preach anymore (possibly while he was seeking council about it) only after he layed down some other consequence that was not accepted.
It was just really a shame, because I like Fr.... and Pastor....... I do trust Pastor and am assuming he is doing the right thing by his flock.
Love to everyone-
Laura
____________________
Lord, please make my will your Will!
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