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For over 20 years, Bruce has been the go-to Handyman in our community, working 8-10 hours a day, 6 days a week. This all came to an abrupt halt on May 3rd, when he had a stroke. It came as quite a shock, as Bruce is quite active, not overweight, and only 60 years old! After several days in the hospital, he was discharged to an acute rehab facility, where he received extensive therapy and monitoring from a staff of specialists who are trained in treating stroke victims.
When he was released, his doctor told us that his recovery would take some time, and that it was impossible to predict how much progress would be made, or how long it would take. She said that most recovery occurs within 6 months, but can continue for about 2 years. She said that he may not be able to return to work in the same capacity as before, and that he should apply for disability benefits.
Being self-employed, Bruce is not eligible for state disability, so his only option was to apply for SSDI, through the Federal government. When he was finally able to get a telephone appointment to apply, he was told that it would be 4-6 months before they make a decision! Meanwhile, Bruce has not yet regained use of his dominant right hand, and can only walk to the end of our driveway before he is exhausted. Even so, he spends most of his day exercising and working on recovery.
I am also self-employed, but as there are only the two of us here, my time is spent mostly on taking care of Bruce and all of our household and financial needs, cooking, shopping, and taking him to appointments. I also do the bookkeeping, taxes, and pay the bills, but there is never enough time to get everything done. When the idea of starting a GoFundMe campaign came up, Bruce said no, although we have 0 income. But, between myself (his wife) and his grateful clients in our community, we have finally convinced him that this is our best option. In addition to medical expenses, we have a mortgage, insurance, food, and other routine monthly expenses. We still don't know if Bruce will be receiving federal disability benefits, or when. I'm just feeling overwhelmed, and that I shouldn't even be taking the time to type this!
Of all the comments made by folks in our community, I think this one says it best:
“Bruce takes care of so many people in our Point Richmond community. If it were someone else, Bruce would find a way to contribute. Grace means also receiving with gratitude, as well as giving to others. We are here to learn how to love others and also ourselves.” Stephen
When he was released, his doctor told us that his recovery would take some time, and that it was impossible to predict how much progress would be made, or how long it would take. She said that most recovery occurs within 6 months, but can continue for about 2 years. She said that he may not be able to return to work in the same capacity as before, and that he should apply for disability benefits.
Being self-employed, Bruce is not eligible for state disability, so his only option was to apply for SSDI, through the Federal government. When he was finally able to get a telephone appointment to apply, he was told that it would be 4-6 months before they make a decision! Meanwhile, Bruce has not yet regained use of his dominant right hand, and can only walk to the end of our driveway before he is exhausted. Even so, he spends most of his day exercising and working on recovery.
I am also self-employed, but as there are only the two of us here, my time is spent mostly on taking care of Bruce and all of our household and financial needs, cooking, shopping, and taking him to appointments. I also do the bookkeeping, taxes, and pay the bills, but there is never enough time to get everything done. When the idea of starting a GoFundMe campaign came up, Bruce said no, although we have 0 income. But, between myself (his wife) and his grateful clients in our community, we have finally convinced him that this is our best option. In addition to medical expenses, we have a mortgage, insurance, food, and other routine monthly expenses. We still don't know if Bruce will be receiving federal disability benefits, or when. I'm just feeling overwhelmed, and that I shouldn't even be taking the time to type this!
Of all the comments made by folks in our community, I think this one says it best:
“Bruce takes care of so many people in our Point Richmond community. If it were someone else, Bruce would find a way to contribute. Grace means also receiving with gratitude, as well as giving to others. We are here to learn how to love others and also ourselves.” Stephen