...SIGH... Big sigh there. My caretaker just called and gave us her two weeks notice. To say I'm frustrated is a massive understatement. The last couple of days have been so rough with her. We really appreciate all she's done for us the last 10 months, but she was unwilling to accept the idea that we don't want to pay her for the days she doesn't work. Are we being unreasonable? I think not. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Anyway--right before she called I was getting ready to post this anyway.
Aaron and I have been talking and praying about our future concerning children, grad school for Aaron, how are we going to keep paying for caretakers out of our own funds. We estimate that we will be out of money in about a year from our fund. We've applied for the available state funding (Medi-Cal) that would pay for home health services. We were denied because we're married and Aaron's salary exceeds the amount you're allowed. I have appealed this and am on a waiting list (for the last 10 MONTHS) for a special waiver program that will waive Aaron's million dollar (I'm kidding) salary. Starting in January we are finally eligible for Medicare; but I found out today that I'm basically NOT DISABLED ENOUGH for them to cover home health care. So I guess it could be worse--at least Medicare thinks it should be. The good thing with Medicare is that they will cover physical and occupational therapy. This is great news. I haven't had PT/OT since I left Craig 2 years ago b/c our insurance benefit ran out. I've considered getting a job, but if I did that most of the "benefits"-or what I like to call "perks to being paralyzed"- would be eliminated. For example, my school loans do not have to be paid back since I'm permanently physically disabled. But if I start working, it compromises that benefit.
So Aaron and I have decided we have 3 options: 1. Become really poor so we get better benefits. 2. Become really rich so we wouldn't need to be dependent on the government. 3. Become famous so we could live off the royalties of published books or motivational speeches.
Please pardon my sarcasm...it's just been a really frustrating few days.
There is a 4th option that we've decided is the most feasible. Fundraising. I have no idea how to go about doing that. I've done lots of fundraising for youth groups, but this isn't exactly like a car-wash or bake sale type of a thing.
So my question for all of you is: Does anyone have any suggestions how to go about doing this? Does anyone know of any legal loopholes in the healthcare system?
We are feeling kind of desperate. We want a family. Aaron has to go to grad school to make it into the next income level. He's maxed out on the bachelor's degree pay scale already. These things won't happen unless we figure this out.
I don't know who still checks our website here, but this has been our largest web of communication in the last couple of years.
We love you all and are so grateful for each of you.
One more thing...Please be in prayer for us. We absolutely trust God to supply and provide for us. He has so far.
Thanks for reading my rambling thoughts...We welcome and NEED your thoughts and comments. If they are personal you may email us at weloveyoukari@msn.com.
Blessings to all of you-
Kari
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Prayers and Reasons to be Thankful
Hey Everyone--
I wanted to send out a request. Our senior pastor, Rick, has been having some "heart issues" since Wed. He is in the hospital being monitored. There are plans for an angiogram tomorrow (Mon). Please pray for him. He and his wife are supposed to go on vacation in a few days. I have a sense of urgency about his condition. Pray for rest and peace.
Also...My dear friend Melissa, mentioned in my previous update, is still doing great! Even better, actually, than when I wrote about her amazing healing. She now is facing the reality of life as a "normal" person and has a lot of decisions to make. If you think of her, please pray for that. She's feeling quite overwhelmed.
I also previously mentioned Amy's progress. She is even doing better! She has been moved (again!) to a sub-acute facility much closer to her home. She is eating food-getting up in a wheelchair daily-getting real showers-getting dressed! All of these things are very exciting. The presence of her family and friends is such an encouragement to her.
My heart just smiles when I think of how far these two young women have come. Their will to not just survive...but LIVE...is amazing.
Since I have you here, here's some family news...
My family is doing moderately well. My dad struggles with pain due to various ailments. His wheelchair is a great comfort to him as it enables him to be more mobile. The cancer seems to be somewhat under control-although I'm not fully convinced.
My mom is good. She's the hardest worker I know. She is constantly putting others first-taking care of my dad and her mom.
My grandma (dad's mom) passed away on October 9. She was 98 years old. I think two or three blogs ago there are some pictures of her when we visited last summer. Please pray for my poor grandpa if you think of him.
My brother is supposed to return from Iraq next month! Please keep praying for him...
My sister and her husband keep blessing and bringing joy to our family! The day before Josh turned 1- she found out they are expecting another baby! This little one is due sometime in June. I'm so excited to be an aunt again-for the 5th time!
With Aaron's family- we are getting close to the anniversary (Dec. 9) of losing our precious Bryan. There are still no words to express that intense heartache and devastating loss. Aaron's dad and Linda will be with us on that day. I'm glad we will have family with us this year. One of the worst things on that day was being a million miles away from our family.
Aaron's mom, brothers, and Desiree are coming the day after Christmas. We are so excited to see everyone. After two difficult Christmas seasons in a row, we are looking forward to being together.
As for Aaron and I...we are doing well! Aaron's school year is going much better than last year. He is trying so hard to get more sleep and it seems to be helping.
He also was just nominated as an "educational hero" for a regional magazine. There were only 10 selected for the year and he was one of them! We were interviewed yesterday and the magazine story will come out in January.
I was interviewed by our denominational magazine, "Light & Life", a few weeks ago. That magazine also comes out in January. I am in the "Saltshaker" section.
So, Aaron's officially a Hero-- and I'm officially a Saltshaker! I always knew Aaron was a hero, but I never knew I was a saltshaker. :)
So...as Thanksgiving approaches, I'm feeling very thankful for family and friends and good health and that God continues to watch over us and provide for us.
We are giving thanks for all of you and your tremendous support.
We love you all!
Kari
I wanted to send out a request. Our senior pastor, Rick, has been having some "heart issues" since Wed. He is in the hospital being monitored. There are plans for an angiogram tomorrow (Mon). Please pray for him. He and his wife are supposed to go on vacation in a few days. I have a sense of urgency about his condition. Pray for rest and peace.
Also...My dear friend Melissa, mentioned in my previous update, is still doing great! Even better, actually, than when I wrote about her amazing healing. She now is facing the reality of life as a "normal" person and has a lot of decisions to make. If you think of her, please pray for that. She's feeling quite overwhelmed.
I also previously mentioned Amy's progress. She is even doing better! She has been moved (again!) to a sub-acute facility much closer to her home. She is eating food-getting up in a wheelchair daily-getting real showers-getting dressed! All of these things are very exciting. The presence of her family and friends is such an encouragement to her.
My heart just smiles when I think of how far these two young women have come. Their will to not just survive...but LIVE...is amazing.
Since I have you here, here's some family news...
My family is doing moderately well. My dad struggles with pain due to various ailments. His wheelchair is a great comfort to him as it enables him to be more mobile. The cancer seems to be somewhat under control-although I'm not fully convinced.
My mom is good. She's the hardest worker I know. She is constantly putting others first-taking care of my dad and her mom.
My grandma (dad's mom) passed away on October 9. She was 98 years old. I think two or three blogs ago there are some pictures of her when we visited last summer. Please pray for my poor grandpa if you think of him.
My brother is supposed to return from Iraq next month! Please keep praying for him...
My sister and her husband keep blessing and bringing joy to our family! The day before Josh turned 1- she found out they are expecting another baby! This little one is due sometime in June. I'm so excited to be an aunt again-for the 5th time!
With Aaron's family- we are getting close to the anniversary (Dec. 9) of losing our precious Bryan. There are still no words to express that intense heartache and devastating loss. Aaron's dad and Linda will be with us on that day. I'm glad we will have family with us this year. One of the worst things on that day was being a million miles away from our family.
Aaron's mom, brothers, and Desiree are coming the day after Christmas. We are so excited to see everyone. After two difficult Christmas seasons in a row, we are looking forward to being together.
As for Aaron and I...we are doing well! Aaron's school year is going much better than last year. He is trying so hard to get more sleep and it seems to be helping.
He also was just nominated as an "educational hero" for a regional magazine. There were only 10 selected for the year and he was one of them! We were interviewed yesterday and the magazine story will come out in January.
I was interviewed by our denominational magazine, "Light & Life", a few weeks ago. That magazine also comes out in January. I am in the "Saltshaker" section.
So, Aaron's officially a Hero-- and I'm officially a Saltshaker! I always knew Aaron was a hero, but I never knew I was a saltshaker. :)
So...as Thanksgiving approaches, I'm feeling very thankful for family and friends and good health and that God continues to watch over us and provide for us.
We are giving thanks for all of you and your tremendous support.
We love you all!
Kari
Friday, October 05, 2007
Amy and Melissa
I have some great news on my two friends that have been mentioned so often on our website!
Amy
So many of you have been praying for Amy and following her story over this last year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Amy has FINALLY made it back to California after being stuck in a Las Vegas hospital since May 2006. Her mom, Deb, fought to the end until she beat the system! This past Tuesday, Amy was transferred to a hospital here in southern CA. Even though she is still on a ventilator, still is being fed through a tube and still isn't in rehab- she is at least close by so family and friends can visit her and encourage her. This is HUGE! Pray that Amy will be brave in accepting therapies offered to her. She has a lot of fear of these therapies to wean her from the ventilator and stretch out her arms. The fear is in the pain. I remember the fear and the pain. But she has to do it so please pray for her.
Also pray that she can get out of bed and into a wheelchair! She has only been in a wheelchair just a few times in the last year and a half. Her birthday is at the end of October. I told her that maybe she could make it a goal to get outside for her birthday.
Melissa
Ok- Hang on to your hats for this one! Melissa is our dear friend from church who has suffered greatly since her car accident in January 2005. Melissa was not paralyzed- she didn't even break anything. Melissa hurt her hand. The pain from her hand traveled up through her arm and eventually to all her limbs and her entire body. She was diagnosed with a horrible disease called RSD. There is no cure- and little hope for relief. After countless surgeries, hospitalizations, and unspeakable pain, Melissa and her family were desperate for a breakthrough.
Five weeks ago Melissa was at just about the lowest point she could be. On August 30 she went in for a doctor's appointment with a new doctor. When the doctor came into the room he asked if he could pray for Melissa. When he was done praying he told Melissa and her mom that they should go to his church that night for a special healing prayer time. Now before you start envisioning a huge weird jumping around falling down TV evangelist type thing...it wasn't like that at all! Melissa and her parents were taken into a small private room with 2 other people. These two people prayed for Melissa...and God chose that time to answer. Melissa was seriously, miraculously healed from her disease!! I'm not kidding people! She is fine. I called her yesterday to ask her something and she said, "I can't talk right now. I'm at Disneyland!" Isn't that great?!
I'm sure some of you who don't know her or didn't think this kind of stuff happened find it hard to believe me. I was skeptical and I DO know her and I DO believe in miracles. But I'm telling you...she was healed. How cool is that? I don't know why God chooses to heal some and not others. I really don't know. But I'm glad that I'm serving a God who loves us and can heal us.
Anyway--those are my two dear friends.
Also, we really are working on a new website! So please keep checking it out!
Love to you all-
Kari
I am attaching Melissa's email that she wrote to many of the people who have been praying for her.
Amy
So many of you have been praying for Amy and following her story over this last year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Amy has FINALLY made it back to California after being stuck in a Las Vegas hospital since May 2006. Her mom, Deb, fought to the end until she beat the system! This past Tuesday, Amy was transferred to a hospital here in southern CA. Even though she is still on a ventilator, still is being fed through a tube and still isn't in rehab- she is at least close by so family and friends can visit her and encourage her. This is HUGE! Pray that Amy will be brave in accepting therapies offered to her. She has a lot of fear of these therapies to wean her from the ventilator and stretch out her arms. The fear is in the pain. I remember the fear and the pain. But she has to do it so please pray for her.
Also pray that she can get out of bed and into a wheelchair! She has only been in a wheelchair just a few times in the last year and a half. Her birthday is at the end of October. I told her that maybe she could make it a goal to get outside for her birthday.
Melissa
Ok- Hang on to your hats for this one! Melissa is our dear friend from church who has suffered greatly since her car accident in January 2005. Melissa was not paralyzed- she didn't even break anything. Melissa hurt her hand. The pain from her hand traveled up through her arm and eventually to all her limbs and her entire body. She was diagnosed with a horrible disease called RSD. There is no cure- and little hope for relief. After countless surgeries, hospitalizations, and unspeakable pain, Melissa and her family were desperate for a breakthrough.
Five weeks ago Melissa was at just about the lowest point she could be. On August 30 she went in for a doctor's appointment with a new doctor. When the doctor came into the room he asked if he could pray for Melissa. When he was done praying he told Melissa and her mom that they should go to his church that night for a special healing prayer time. Now before you start envisioning a huge weird jumping around falling down TV evangelist type thing...it wasn't like that at all! Melissa and her parents were taken into a small private room with 2 other people. These two people prayed for Melissa...and God chose that time to answer. Melissa was seriously, miraculously healed from her disease!! I'm not kidding people! She is fine. I called her yesterday to ask her something and she said, "I can't talk right now. I'm at Disneyland!" Isn't that great?!
I'm sure some of you who don't know her or didn't think this kind of stuff happened find it hard to believe me. I was skeptical and I DO know her and I DO believe in miracles. But I'm telling you...she was healed. How cool is that? I don't know why God chooses to heal some and not others. I really don't know. But I'm glad that I'm serving a God who loves us and can heal us.
Anyway--those are my two dear friends.
Also, we really are working on a new website! So please keep checking it out!
Love to you all-
Kari
I am attaching Melissa's email that she wrote to many of the people who have been praying for her.
First of all, I know this is on my dad’s e-mail account but it’s actually me, Melissa writing! I wanted to share with you the latest in my life.
The pain returned to my arms and legs on August 18th and, though I really don’t remember it, by August 26th Mom and Dad say I was about as low as they had ever seen me. Then on Thursday morning August 30th, mom took me to be evaluated by a new doctor for an inpatient rehabilitation pain program. Dr. Lawrence is a Christian and within moments of meeting him, he asked permission to pray for me. I agreed and he prayed a powerful prayer of deliverance over me. He then suggested I attend a healing service that evening at his church in Fontana.
Later that afternoon, my grandparents arrived at our house bringing the gift that our friend, Wendy Ellis had prepared. (Some of you have been keeping secrets from my family and me!) There were so many words of encouragement, a beautiful music vase and a very large check to help with my medical expenses. I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Thank you so much to all who contributed!
We then went to the church for the healing/prayer time. After waiting almost three hours, my parents and I were asked into a prayer room with two of their volunteers. They each prayed deliverance from the pain and asked that God would use me to tell others about His love. While they were praying, I felt the terrible pain leave my body and a huge burden with it. I cried tears of joy and knew the Lord had healed me. As we walked out of the building I remember being in awe of God’s goodness and grace.
I know many have been praying and supporting my family and me in so many ways through this great trial. Tonight I just wanted to praise God for what He has done and thank you for your part. Though I’m not in pain, I am still very tired and weak. My appetite is also diminished.
By the way, when I share my good news, many have responded with a joyful, “Áre you serious?!?”
As each day passes, I am feeling a little stronger and am looking forward to a more normal life. Please continue to pray for me and praise God with me for His healing in my life. Thanks and God bless you!
Melissa Logan
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