I mean, why...

We were denied again. 

And according to the lawyers, 

‘that’s normal.’  

Can someone tell us what normal looks like so we don’t have to be knocked off of our feet every-time?  Lol

Onward to another appeal. 

And after we get denied from that one, too, we stand before a judge;

who judges us. 

In the meantime, we are out of money. 

We made an arrangement with our mortgage company to lower our bill until we receive disability a while back. 

After many months of deliberating, the mortgage company responds with,’Yes! We can adjust your monthly bill. After six months, you will owe what you weren’t able to pay. At that time, we will re-evaluate your situation.’

EVERY MONTH SINCE THEN, I get a call from the ‘Mortgage Company...’

‘Uhmmm, ma’m, we are calling to tell you that you are behind on your mortgage...’. FORECLOSURE IS COMING. 

And the conversation goes, ‘But we made arrangements!  Why are you threatening foreclosure?’ And on and on...  

So, 

as the time closes in on us and we are responsible for paying what we owe, 

which we do not have, hearts sink 

and 

puddles are plenty. 

After being denied, once again...we have no choice but to sell the house and live on the equity until SSDI decides to pay David disability. 

‘Why?’ You ask. 

‘Why did they deny;

once  again?’

Pulmonary Fibrosis 

is NOT in the BLUE BOOK of diseases 

that qualify one 

for disability. 

Okay......

But if you do a google search on Pulmonary Fibrosis....

(Pause for you to do that...)

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath.Mar 6, 2018

Or this...

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), including shortness of breath with everyday activities.
• Coughing (chronic, dry, hacking cough)
• Diminished exercise tolerance.
• Fast, shallow breathing.
• Fatigue/tiredness.
• Weakness.
• Chest discomfort.
• Muscle and joint aches.

There's currently no cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The main aim of treatment is to relieve the symptoms as much as possible and slow down its progression. As the condition becomes more advanced, end of life (palliative) care will be offered. 

There is currently no cure for pulmonary fibrosis but treatments and therapies are improving all the time. The average life expectancy of someone with pulmonary fibrosis is three to five years but if it's caught early, treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease.May 25, 2017

And so they say...  But, for David, it is so severe after being in a coma, that there are no treatments available, except the one 

where you should;

Enjoy the days you do have. 

It’s hard not to think maybe they are waiting for him to die????  So they don’t have to pay?????

We are packing boxes and getting rid of things that we won’t be able to keep; 

a hard thing, for certain. 

Moving will come faster than my brain can travel. This months?

At the latest? January?

Heavy sigh...

We, the people

Sorry for the delay. 

Life. 

No time. 

I am sure you can relate. 

As of today, we have yet 

to receive disability.

The guys who were going to fix our roof put a tarp on the area where it was leaking. Me thinks that is probably causing more problems in the long run. I thought fixing meant repair not a tarp. But hey let’s face it, I could not have put a tarp up there so...thankful for no leak. Rotten wood under the tarp however...that is still a big deal. What to do, what to do. I have no clue. 

I work in a very hostile environment and go to work and come home in tears. Life in the workforce. I am sending my resume out to other companies right now but am gravely aware that the grass IS NOT GREENER on the other side. With new employment comes new difficulties to overcome. It’s just that....can I have a few undifficult moments. 

(I   know...it’s not a word.) 

I’m tired. I’m cranky. I think my home is falling apart. But one of my very wise children says to me, ‘We are doing okay. It’s you that’s falling apart and I hate seeing you that way.’

A tough pill to chew. Are things done my way? No. I’m not in charge of the home anymore. I’m the breadwinner. Or rather, the one biscuit winner. Haha. 

The holidays set us back. (Thanksgiving). And I was sent home several days with a fever during that time. And they did not pay for the day after thanksgiving. So this month I’m half a biscuit bread winner. Not trying to trick you into giving. Keep your money in your pocket. You’ve given enough. It’s why I haven’t written lately. Everyone has problems. I am aware. So here I am, coming down to the level of the ‘people.’ And ranting about wages and life and barely making it. And can’t even send my son, a million miles away a card or birthday gift because I can’t afford it. 

I am just so tired and weary and apparently the only one falling apart. 

Another day. Onward we go. We, the people.  

Help?

Hello all!

Nope, this isn't Michelle. Not Hannah, either. Actually, it isn't anyone with the last name "Watson"! So...who is this, exactly?

Misti and Jocelyn here, long-time friends of the Watsons. We have requested the privilege of doing a guest blog now and then, both to help ease the pressure on the family of keeping y'all updated on the latest and greatest happenings in their now-very-busy world, and also to have the honor of presenting specific ways you can assist them, whether you are in town or wanting to help from afar. 

Here is the current news! 

The Watsons have been working hard adjusting to the new ‘normal'. Michelle is working, Hannah is in college, the boys are busy with school and home duty, and David is taking on the teacher role for the boys homeschooling and handling the endless stream of paperwork as much as he is able. Needless to say, their world has been flipped upside down, and everyone has a LOT on their plate; hence the lack of blog posting recently. 

David had yet another doctor appointment and physical endurance test about a week and a half ago, the results of which will be used towards determining whether or not he will be granted disability. The test was hard, and David was utterly wiped out 6 minutes into what should have been a much longer exercise. Despite that, we don't know what the report will say, or how much weight that particular test is given in the case.  As some of you may know, applying for disability or social security benefits is not an easy process, nor fast, and there is an immense amount of paperwork involved and proofs to procure. Please continue to pray for favor and fairness as they press forward.

Michelle is now working full-time, as a liaison between insurance companies and families with children who have special medical needs, making sure they get the equipment and coverage they need. While she is (naturally!) very good at her job, it is still a struggle to make ends meet as she is bringing home half the income that David did and, as noted above, they are still not receiving any kind of disability benefits.

So, why are we delaying?! Here are some very specific and tangible ways to continue to help. Of course you can still donate to David's Recovery Fund via PayPal. And please do! There are always expenses that crop up - medicines, medical supplies, home repairs, car repairs, personal supplies, etc. Funds sent via the PayPal link are available for them to use at their discretion to cover needs that they may have a difficult time communicating. But there are other ways to help also! Below is a list of monthly service providers the Watsons use to keep their home functioning (like the electric that powers the oxygen machine David MUST have to be able to breathe).  Using the phone number listed for the service provider ask to speak with a customer service representative regarding paying towards someone’s bill anonymously then all you will need to provide is the information notated under “Process” to contribute any amount towards their monthly bills. Send them gift cards to Whole Foods...this is a big deal, actually, because they have significant dietary restrictions due to severe allergies, and have to be careful to make sure their food is free from cross-contamination. Let's face it - not all stores are careful in this regard. 

And finally, with the holidays upon us, many people are earnestly looking for and desiring opportunities to give of their time, money, or other resources. We encourage you to pass this info along to anyone you know who may be interested in blessing the Watson family. 

Thank you for all the love and support you continue to show. It has made all the difference as they continue to navigate through this challenging season of life.

Type	Company	Phone Number	Process
Electric	Cirro Energy	800-692-4776	David and Michelle Watson; 1221 Dalhart Drive, Richardson, TX, 75080
Internet	ATT	800-331-0500	214-934-0090
Gas	Atmos Energy	888-286-6700	David Watson; 1221 Dalhart Drive, Richardson, TX, 75080
Water	City of Richardson	972-744-4120	1221 Dalhart Drive, Richardson, TX, 75080
Home Insurance	Farmers	888-327-6335	David and Michelle Watson; 1221 Dalhart Drive, Richardson, 75080
Grocery	Whole Foods		Gift Cards
General Contributions	Paypal	David's Recovery Fund