Helping my Grandma on Disability
This is my grandma Gail, ultimately she is my hero and the reason why my twin brother and I are where we are today. I grew up the first two years of my life with my biological parents - when addiction took over their lives they were unable to care properly for us. My grandma, who just finished raising her own set of three children took it upon herself to take legal custody of my brother and I and raise us as her own.
From the age of two, up until our early twenties my grandmother gave us every opportunity that she could. It was a struggle for her being she was a single parent, she lived on disability and her monthly income was well below the poverty line. How she managed to do it while raising two energetic twins I have no idea how. She sacrificed everything for us so we could enjoy the nice things growing up as children and she never complained about it - she felt joy knowing we were happy. I never really understood what she was going through until I was in my teens. She was an expert at hiding her medical conditions from us, not letting us see her pain or struggle or constantly wondering how she was going to put food on the table for the next week. She didn't let us see how much she was dealing with because she always wanted us to be happy, she never wanted us to worry about her. When we'd ask her what's wrong she would misdirect us and assure us everything was fine. She'd comfort and tell us that things would be okay.
My grandma has recently turned 65 and unfortunately the way it works is a major part of her disability income is no longer available to her. With expenses it is making these next couple of years overly strenuous and I am hoping we can make a difference in helping subside the stress of money. Living off of significantly less than minimum wage has proven more than this incredibly lady can handle. Exploring every option she possible can and coming up short - it makes me worried for what she is dealing with. She is unable to work due to severe Crohn's disease - her depression and anxiety and asthma don't add well to the mix either. She tries to do anything from home to help generate income whether it is sewing or painting - it just isn't enough. While most 65 year olds are retired and enjoying life - mine is in constant fear and worry. I hate to see her struggle, especially for how much she has done for us - she deserves more.
Unfortunately I am not able to financially assist her how I'd like, so i'm reaching out for help and anything would be incredibly appreciated. I thank you for your kindness, It would mean the world to our family to see some relief in her eyes and a little stress off of her shoulders.
