Today I got help from a financial company. To say I had forgotten about everything, including bills, the last few weeks is kind of an understatement. I explained what had happened, they removed the fee, we all move on with our lives. I didn’t mean to start crying on the phone with a customer service rep, but it’s weird to tell a total stranger that the reason you forgot to pay your bill is that you have cancer. Very weird. That’s one helper.
Next, I will be looking to see if there is any financial assistance I can qualify for. If I find good avenues, I will share them here or via the links page. We are not poor, but meeting a deductible – $6000 for me, almost there already! – is an unexpected expense. Especially when I’m the one who works to pay all the bills. Especially when you are self-employed. If I can avoid reducing our retirement, I will. I’m not the only one here who wants to retire some day. Plus other expenses that we cannot fathom yet that will come along with everything. Like if during treatment the only thing I can eat without getting sick is lobster. Let’s add this to the list of things that probably won’t happen, but… what if they could?
The biggest helpers have been my friends and family. I am a fairly introverted person, but I am thankful for everyone in my life. I accept your thoughts, prayers, love, hugs if I see you. Don’t be offended if I don’t ask you for anything even if you are offering. I promise that if I need help, I will ask. I would like anyone going through this to do the same. Be willing to admit that you need help and ask for help. It’s not weakness to need help. It’s okay. You – we – are going through enough. Let people help. They want to help.
I am finding just talking to other people going through this or who have gone through this is helping. By talking, I mean keeping in contact online through social media or email. I even keep in contact with my family that way since they are far away. I have also had offers to have my husband talk spouses who have been through this, and I have given him that information. I hope he will reach out if he needs someone to talk to.
And honestly? My little family is keeping me sane. My husband and the dogs, Edie and Arthur. Just doing normal things around the house helps. Although, normal for us is abnormal probably, but that’s just the way it goes around here.
Look for the helpers, Mr. Rogers said. I have always agreed with him. I’m glad I have so many helpers in my life, and I hope you do too.