The future's bright - Tommy wears shades!
The thought of being taken from this world at my appointed time and leaving a big unknown for Tommy has always weighed heavy on my heart. The Lord and I have had many conversations regarding this. Tommy is pretty settled in the things he does, the places we take him and his home routine. I fear what it would be like for his “normal” to be gone. The last thing I would want is for him to be a burden to someone. I have even asked God that maybe our appointed times could be the same so I won’t worry, and his world would not be turned upside down. I guess that this could seem a little selfish of me, so I will just rest in knowing that God has a plan and it is perfect!
Years ago, I was instructed by school diagnosticians to make sure Tommy was on waiting list for services for his disabilities and eventually apply for his SSI. When he turns 18, he would qualify to start this process. I was told that it would take a very long time for him to be awarded this compensation. I was determined to be very proactive. Every three years I would make contact with the local Spindletop MHMR where he was first registered and make sure all his information was up to date and correct in their system.
Through the years I read many articles and even more recent Facebook posts. Everyone states that the application process and the denials that go along with it are a horrible experience. I really did not know what to expect as we ventured down this uncharted path.
Tommy turned 18 in January and our first appointment with Spindletop was the end of February. I am happy to report that he started receiving his compensation in August. Through paperwork, interviews, phone calls and more paperwork, God took care of everything!
For those that don’t know, there are many restrictions that must be followed to remain in compliance to receive these benefits. My goal is to have funding for him in the event we are separated and he remains here. Whomever is caring for him will have what is needed to do just that.
Living in Texas a “stable” savings account called Texas Able Account was mentioned to me. This account helps those with disabilities be able to save money. They are not penalized, and their SSI benefits are not affected. These are places and things that are available where we live. I feel certain that other cities and states have similar places and accounts. It just takes some researching to find them.
I have comfort in knowing that plans for Tommy’s future have been put into place. Please share with anyone that you think could benefit from this information.
Although this is not a funny Tommy blog; I hope that I can encourage you to take one day at a time. From the time Tommy started school at the age of three until now, so many days were an overwhelming blur.
He is a joy and little things like this that I find on my phone, keep me going!
Days, weeks, months can be stressful but keep pressing onward. Take some deep breaths and have a good cry and then start again! God can and will see you through. Put your faith in HIM. He will take those small steps with you. Remember to Thank Him for bringing you through. This is a way of life, no matter your situation. We all have challenges and mountains to climb. And please recognize that yours are not the same as your neighbors, best friend or coworkers. But we do all have the ability to believe that our challenges and our mountains can be moved! It only takes a small amount of faith to do miraculous things.
Have Faith & God Bless -
“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
