transparent
Custom color #:
close
Move up Move right Move down Move left
Set Show more as default view Set Show less as default view

New? Join now!


note card artist

jo k
Here since: Feb 18, 2008
Female, 62
looking for employment
Cedar Park, tx
Languages: English

My husband died unexpectedly, he did not have life insurance or health insurance, he was never ill. Two months later, I lost my job. The next day, I filed for unemployment and registered with the TWC for help to find a job. I received unemployment until August. I applied for every job that I qualified for in the TWC listings, there were many, I only got a few interviews. I am not sure that the job postings were up to date, so many of them sent me responses that the jobs were closed. Some jobs were posted a day or two before they were to be closed. I have sent out so many cover letters with resumes and applications. I have checked with my references, no one has contacted them. I feel like I've been sending out paper airplanes into empty space.  Many of the applications have gone to State agencies which list job vacancies.

I am diabetic and am out of my medications, I was on the Aim Low program in my county, in August they sent a letter about changes, I called to be rescreened (first screened in May) and was told to call back later, this is what happens each time I call, I am clearly qualified. Initally, in May, I applied to several of the prescription assistance programs and was approved, they were sent to the Aim Low pharmacy. I found out by accident that they had arrived and had been there a month without my being contacted. I finally received them but have received none since and have not been able to see a nurse/dr for refill prescriptions. I don't know where to turn as my diabetes cannot be ignored. I am following what I've been taught in managing my diabetes, but that is not enough without the meds I was prescribed by my doctor while I was still working and had insurance. I have lost alot of weight (40#) and my blood pressure has dropped to a much lower rate than it has been in more than 20 years. I think those factors have helped me with the diabetes complications. 

I receive a survivor's benefit from social security, but it is only enough to pay my rent with $34. left over, I am behind on my utilities and must seek help to get reconnected, often. My car engine light blinks constantly and it runs "rough" needs spark plugs changed and maintenance work, so my gas mileage is poor. On the weekends I set up with an art group to sell note cards that I paint, and some jewelry that make with left over supplies from better times while my husband was alive and we were both earning. I sell a little, usually enough to pay my booth fee and gas money and a little extra used for food during the week. My back, arms and hands are beginning to be stiff from the loading and unloading each week. My hands ache for days and swell. I don't have medication for that. Last week my allergy to smoke flared up and I have had nerve pain in my jaw, ear and head that is almost unbearable. 

I have a daughter about 20 miles away who ignores me since I asked her to keep my dog, a Lab named Lizzi for 3 days so I could go to help my younger daughter who was having a myelogram to determine therapy for an injury she is still suffering from that was not initally treated properly. She has alot of pain from her injury and is in physical therapy, that is not covered by her insurance. She works, but the therapy is very costly and she does not have money to help me with. My older daughter works and has a partner, who also works, but requires alot of her attention and 3 adopted children.  They do not communicate with me since I asked them to keep Lizzi for those 3 days. They have 2 dogs and 4 cats and a big fenced yard. Several years ago, when they were living in a condo, they dumped Lizzi with us when they didn't have a yard. Lizzi is very well trained and is always on a leash with me. the vet told us she was traumatized and that she should not ever have to stay in a crate, for any length of time. She loves them and is always so happy to be with them and gets along with their dogs and cats. I am sad that my older daughter seems lost to me. I am so alone. I do have kind neighbors, but to have family that is so close, but distant, is sad. I try not to think about my older daughter, hoping that she will call are show up someday. My younger daughter cannot make trips to visit often as her injury makes a 3 hour drive each way, something very painful to do, and not miss work when she gets back.  I need help and suggestions of how to move ahead, I am not old enough to retire at 62. I have alot of energy to give, just not enough money to make ends meet. I guess I really need caring attention, most of all.