Many of you reading, have parents or even grandparents that are getting older. Those of us that do, know how hard they worked their whole lives to get everything they have in life. Growing up, I was blessed with four wonderful grandparents. As the years went by,
only my two grandmothers are still alive, both 87 years young!
Our country has a growing population of senior citizens, like my "abuelas" and your "mimaws," "bubbes," "nanas," "abus," "memés" and maybe even your parents, that do not have enough money for retirement or cost of living. The more "baby boomers" that retire, the bigger the problem will get. This is a problem afflicting a growing number of households in America.
As the economy fluctuates, and politics fail, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a family, let alone support our elderly parents.
One organization is working diligently on solving our senior citizens biggest problem, the lack of housing for the elderly. Elderly Housing Corporation (EHDOC) is one of the front-runners in the senior housing business, providing safe and secure housing. I worked for this particular organization for 4 years before I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and although, this was not where I saw myself professionally in my future, I learned a lot about senior living. I met many seniors who had worked so hard their whole lives and ended up with barely enough money to make ends meet. I learned that at one time, (like you & I,) they had it all, never imagining they would be living their retirement with barely enough money to make ends meet. I learned that they want to live, not just survive!
EHDOC provides low-incoming housing for senior citizens. You may think, "I am not low-income and neither is my family," but in today's economy, there is a whole new definition of what that is! The median income allowed for acceptance into the program, I believe is 41,000 for a 2 people. It changes each year according to the housing authorities.
But my point is, that in order to solve the lack of housing for senior citizens, we must all get involved. Just because you are not there yet, does not mean you will not be affected, directly or indirectly. The "Golden Years" might not be so golden at the rate we are going. It is important that we vote for the right politician who are in favor of supporting programs to benefit senior citizens. And it is always vital that we help fund organizations that support a brighter future for the elderly. It is as simple as making a donation, or sponsoring a senior citizen. If you can spend $20, $30, $40, $50 on on a movie and dinner, can't you provide a half of that for a senior citizen? Every little bit counts. These seniors were once vibrant, hard-working individuals such as you. And moms, especially, you! As mothers, we know all too well how we will do anything to protect and care for our children. Now, it is our turn to care and protect our parents, our grandparents, the senior citizens of our country!
Just think, if it was you, wouldn't you want safe and secure housing? Remember, your kids or grand kids, may not always be around to solve your problems, they will have their own. We have to all do our part in securing a better future for everyone!
Quote to remember:
- You are not here merely to make a living. You are
here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and
with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the
world. You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand. ~Woodrow Wilson
It is rather ironic that I spent the last four years of my life working for a low-income, senior citizen, housing community up until the month where I was diagnosed with a "meningioma" brain tumor - "M" for short.) Actually, I think I know better than to think it was a coincidence. I am a big believer in the theory that "everything happens for a reason." I believe that every place and every person we interact with on a daily basis is put before to teach us a lesson in some way, even if at the time we do not comprehend the how or why.
There were over 100 elderly citizens living independently. I spent day in and day out watching some of these senior citizens literally "lose their minds."
For the most part, everyone was pretty alert and aware, but then there were those few that would forget things, they couldn't remember where their keys were or they claimed someone entered their apartment. They would forget what day it was or where they were going. And I use to think to myself, "Wow, does that suck to lose your memory."
Here I am, 4 months later scared shi#*less that it is happening to me. They say "short-term" memory loss is "normal" after brain surgery (well, fellow survivors say, not the doctors) but that is nowhere near comforting.
I forget if I took a shower, (um, that could be a problem!) I forget if I ate, I forget when my husband asks me or tells me something, I don't remember what I had for breakfast or what we did last week. Sure, most women go through this because they have so much on their "proverbial plate," but not me, I remember EVERYTHING! Or at least I use to! My dad suggested to me that perhaps this was happening from before. I don't think so! Either way, now I say, "sucks for me!" It is a very scary thought to not remember things and to feel like you are literally losing your mind.
I am grateful, don't get me wrong but there are moments I just want to scream!
I was age 45 at diagnosis...date of brain surgery was December 2, 2013. My "lemon-sized M" was
located in the left frontal lobe. I also donated my left kidney in 2008 (a little history there.) I felt fine then, even after having an organ removed, no major after-effects. I never had any head trauma, I did however, suffer from headaches my
whole life. I was on birth control for over 10 years (including Yaz and
Diane-35.) I wonder of course, did hormones play a role? I only grew suspect when double-vision and ocular migraines
started (although the neurosurgeon said not related! Really? I find that hard to believe!)
What I am left with now after surgery: I am still
trying to grow hair back in the incision area, but oddly enough I have lots of hair loss with
the long hair I do have. It is crazy the way my hair is falling out! I have a very bumpy indent (hard to hide) on the left
side of my forehead. Sometimes I get depressed, no-good reason really, probably hormonal. Yeah, add pre-menopause to brain surgery! Ask my husband what a joy I am to live with! I have weight gain, probably from sitting on my butt all day blogging! LOL! I have prickly feelings in my head like needles being poked (or maybe, someone is doing "vodoo" on me!) I have "staring spells," that I did not know was
common until my meningioma group told me.) I still have poor eyesight in my left eye, and many times feel "drunk,' and like I have a mask over my eyes (the way I look lately, I should!) I am super irritable, angry and emotional often...but hey, at
least I have an excuse, right? I'll keep telling myself that for a while!!
To those who are curious and researching what it's like after brain surgery, know that it takes a lot of time to heal and even more time to adjust to the "new you." I know that I will never be the same, but as I analyze the situation, I recognize that I am very lucky and that there are many people who have had similar surgeries and have much more severe problems.
I am alive and AM VERY grateful!!!
