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We can't judge a person's need based on past history. No matter if there are one, two, five, or 12 children we don't know what the parents' financial situation was at the time each child was born nor do we know if their religion allows the use of birth control. We certainly aren't looking at a case of Octo-Mom Syndrome.

The children are here. If someone is successful, has 6 children then find themselves in need, what do you propose they do with whatever number of children you consider excessive? Feed two and starve four? Keep the picky eaters and give away the kids who have a healthy appetite?

There could be things going on in the life of the woman interviewed we aren't aware of and these things need to stay private. Their family may not want to help them. We don't know.

We can't assume everyone has a wonderful family ready to pick up the pieces and help out. This is simply not a reality in our society today. To argue that it is, is not being realistic.

No matter what faith you practice or what you believe, we each have an obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Anybody can be that person who is less fortunate when they least expect it. No matter how many safety nets we may have in place.

Any net can develop a hole for us to fall through and the next net and the next may not be strong enough to hold us either. Shouldn't there be something below all of your nets to cushion your fall? And someone standing nearby to give you a helping hand up and some kind words of encouragement and a little push to get you going in the right direction?

Be thankful for what you have and pray others find what they need.

 

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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I'm a 53 year old woman with a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis. Most people spend more in one week for their groceries than I recieve in Food Stamps for a single month.

Prior to my MS becoming disabling I hiked, exercised, ate healthy, took my vitamins, etc. There's no known cause or cure for MS.  I am not at fault for having this disease or its progressing to the point where I've had to stop working & depend on SSD & Food Stamps.

Not having access to enough healthy foods each month doesn't help my health. Stress causes MS symptoms to flare up & progress. Worrying about how I am going to stretch my Food Stamps each month is a constant stress factor. If I had sufficient funds to eat a healthy including fresh fruit &  vegetables it would make my life less stressful.

I must spend time using my limited energy to scour the Sunday newspaper for coupons, match them up to sale items then schedule Tri-Met Lift Bus rides to take me & my scooter to each store.

It was embarassing for me to go out in public using a cane, then a walker, then a scooter. It was hard to start using my Oregon Trails card at the grocery store. But, you know what? If you need help getting around or getting food in your belly, you get that assistance and get on with your life.

Pride will never fill an empty stomach and pride will never pick a disabled woman crawling to the store up off the sidewalk.

Anything can happen to anyone at any time in their life. If you can provide for yourself and your family consider yourself blessed.

So many people are losing their jobs, their homes, their friends, their money, their everything. They are finding the rug being pulled out from under them and they aren't sure how to get back up again. "What happened to my safety net?" they ask.

As for me, I never expected to see my life as it is now. But, it is what it is.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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