An entirely new life

[Cato]

 

As always, my advice is to try your damnedest to stay focused on the positive, don't bite off too much worry, stay strong, and put your energy into getting well.

This is the very succinct advice I found most helpful in our tough situation here.  Very tough to do but you do come out the other side better off. Click the 'apply' button on your new situation and make it your new way of life. It DOES work...

C

[bobthehobbyguy]

Harry first you have paid into the system and should not feel awkward that you need help at this time.

Second yyou are not being punished this is a test .  A test I see you meeting head on.

Third do not alkow yourself to wallow in self pity. Put that enery into something positive. Focus that energy on you rehab.

I know you are strong and will meet the challenges you are facing and persevere. 

Edited November 24, 2016 by bobthehobbyguy

[slusher]

It's been decided that I will now move from the hospital to a long-term cardiac rehab facility, where I will be spending the foreseeable future. If I make enough progress to where I get to the point where I can once again function independently, I will then sell my house and most of my possessions, and buy a small place in Urbana or Champaign. I think the one solid decision that's been made is that I will sell my house and move downstate within the next few months.

I cannot work anymore... can't keep up client deadlines and expectations. I will be totally reliant on medicaid and disability, which is quite a shock to a guy like me who has never accepted a dime of any sort of public aid, welfare, food stamps, unemployment, or disability of any kind. Like I said, my life as I have known it has been taken from me.

Harry I don't understand why such bad things happens some times other then all the things in the world is making us sick. You don't deserve the storm you was thrown into. I want you to live as happy as you can. The help you will be getting will be based on what you paid in all your working days. It's your right you paid it in so it is not a hand out. I do hurt for you. I do mean that....Harry from everything I have read that you posted you have been a very strong man about everything thrown at you..

Edited November 25, 2016 by slusher

[Pete J.]

Harry, I am going to use some blunt language but bare with me.  I am sure you are feeling somewhat embarrassed by having to take public assistance.  Many in our society would have us believe that anyone on public assistance of any sort is a lazy freeloader who refuses to work for a living.  I am sure there are a few of those people out there, but my experience is that they are few and far between.  The vast majority are just like you.  Good people who paid their taxes and worked hard but have had some circumstance beyond their control that took their life and would not give it back.  This is the type of person these programs are created for.  To help those who have been a contributing member of our society and now need help.  It should not be an embarrassment except to those who would say derogatory things about those in your situation.  We all pay into these programs through our taxes or social security or health insurance premiums or have earned them through our service to the country.  They were set up for our rainy day.  This is your rainy day!  Use them with your head held high.  You earned them and don't let anyone tell you different! I wish you the best! 

[XJ6]

Wishing you the Best Harry ?

[StevenGuthmiller]

Harry, I am going to use some blunt language but bare with me.  I am sure you are feeling somewhat embarrassed by having to take public assistance.  Many in our society would have us believe that anyone on public assistance of any sort is a lazy freeloader who refuses to work for a living.  I am sure there are a few of those people out there, but my experience is that they are few and far between.  The vast majority are just like you.  Good people who paid their taxes and worked hard but have had some circumstance beyond their control that took their life and would not give it back.  This is the type of person these programs are created for.  To help those who have been a contributing member of our society and now need help.  It should not be an embarrassment except to those who would say derogatory things about those in your situation.  We all pay into these programs through our taxes or social security or health insurance premiums or have earned them through our service to the country.  They were set up for our rainy day.  This is your rainy day!  Use them with your head held high.  You earned them and don't let anyone tell you different! I wish you the best! 

There you go!

I've lived in the "Peoples Republic of Minnesota" for nearly my entire life, & have paid their exorbitant taxes during that time.

Up to this point, I have never taken a penny from any government entity, & I consider that a badge of honor.

If or when the day comes that I may need to use any of the state of Minnesota's or any federal programs, all I can say is, "they owe me"!!

The only thing that really makes my heart ache is the fact that most of these programs have been so severely mis-handled for so long that our generation may be the last to take advantage of them, & the next generation, our children, will be saddled with paying for something that they will never be able to use.

 

Steve

[Snake45]

Harry, I am going to use some blunt language but bare with me.  I am sure you are feeling somewhat embarrassed by having to take public assistance.  Many in our society would have us believe that anyone on public assistance of any sort is a lazy freeloader who refuses to work for a living.  I am sure there are a few of those people out there, but my experience is that they are few and far between.  The vast majority are just like you.  Good people who paid their taxes and worked hard but have had some circumstance beyond their control that took their life and would not give it back.  This is the type of person these programs are created for.  To help those who have been a contributing member of our society and now need help.  It should not be an embarrassment except to those who would say derogatory things about those in your situation.  We all pay into these programs through our taxes or social security or health insurance premiums or have earned them through our service to the country.  They were set up for our rainy day.  This is your rainy day!  Use them with your head held high.  You earned them and don't let anyone tell you different! I wish you the best!

Preach It Brother Pete! Very excellent Words of Wisdom here.

[James2]

Yes, life does throw unexpected things are way. Life does not come with a manual or any other form of instructions. Life is good and at times seems bad, but the fact is you still have yours. 

We should all endeavor to make the best of it. 

Best regards...

Edited November 24, 2016 by James2

[mikemodeler]

Harry,

As others have so nicely stated, don't feel bad about collecting benefits that you have paid into, that is what they are there for. Be sure to research all programs available to you so that in addition to quality care, you get everything coming to you. It is a humbling experience and while not the situation you probably envisioned, remind yourself your first concern is to rehab your heart and hopefully get back to independent living. 

I would also consider getting some legal advice on how to structure your estate to preserve as much of your assets as possible. Not sure what the law is in Illinois but most states allow you to have money in reserve to pay for certain costs, both everyday and future. Not to be morbid, but things like funeral costs, long term care, medical care, and things we take for granted like hair cuts, toiletries, clothing, etc., need to be considered. Certain assets might be able to be excluded like any IRAs, 401ks, life insurance policies.

To have all of this thrown at you on top of what you were already going through is certainly overwhelming and thankfully you have your children to help you navigate, but make sure decisions are made rationally and not emotionally. Hopefully there is a county or state agency that help provide some guidance.

Take care friend, continued prayers for a speedy recovery and we are all pulling for you!

[Twokidsnosleep]

All my best wishes, thoughts and prayers to you Harry

I wish I lived closer and could help more with a move or a temporary place to stay

You will adjust to these changes, just keep fighting for your health and hang around.....I need someone to walk me through wiring those darn Pocher wheels!

Scott

[MrObsessive]

Harry, it's hard to put into words on my own what you've been going through. I have to say though that you're VERY FORTUNATE that you have family to rely on! In my case when I was going through and what I'm still dealing with a little as far as my vision, I mostly had to rely on strangers (not total strangers but neighbors) to get the things I needed right after my surgery when I could barely see and certainly couldn't drive. 

My stepmom was there to help a little, but I'm not close to my family for many reasons, and they live here in town. 

As others have said, take one day at a time...........true things won't be the same but I'm of the belief that all things happen for a reason, and it's not always bad. It's good though that you're able to still communicate with us at to what's going on. 

Things could have been worse, but thank God that you're still with us!

[10thumbs]

Harry, the available benefits are there for the taking.  These were made for citizens that have become impaired from health issues, these issues cannot be foreseen, and its surely not to be rejected.  No one alive refuses to say, no....I don't want the benefits.

I'd love to come back home to the US to live a comfortable life on a waterfront down south, fishing and boating and BBQ and drinkin' with other clowns, but age has shown me that health care is most important.  Old Europe is great in this respect.  I have full coverage, period.  This keeps me here.

I hope that our country can soon benefit from some new plans for health care.

Its really great that every person could have full health coverage,without abuse, and without ridiculous costs for the middle class. Its possible.

Harry, lots of dudes here are your age and we all think the same thing....what if?

Thanks guy, for opening your most intimate life and its journey.  We all benefit from your updates.

[Dave Ambrose]

What Pete Johnson said....

I hope you can see that you've paid your your fair share, and now that you need them, it's time to draw on your benefits. That's why they exist.

You have a long road before you. But, if you can have a bit of faith, you'll find good things in the oddest places. I know your pain on lifestyle changes. I was getting ready to give up SCUBA diving, and an long list of other activities. Ironically, I got more extensive treatment because I didn't respond to the standard treatment protocol. Now it looks like I'll be back to diving in a year or so, and everything else as soon as I get myself into better physical condition.  You just never know. Even apparent setbacks can be steps forward.

[JTRACING]

I hope you make a recovery and are able to enjoy life and still do some hobby stuff, Don't feel bad about taking government help or other, that's what it's there for.  You're certainly not taking advantage of it like so many others do.

[charlie8575]

yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, TODAY is ready cash, spend it wisely. Will keep you in my prayers.

Some of the wisest words I've ever heard.

Hang in there, Harry. We are all at your side.

Charlie Larkin

[cobraman]

Any updates on Harry ? Is this the proper place to ask or did I perhaps miss info posted elsewhere ?

[slusher]

Any updates on Harry ? Is this the proper place to ask or did I perhaps miss info posted elsewhere ?

Harry is at home and has help from his son at the present time Ray. I looked at the update on his Facebook page....

[crazyjim]

And he posted a comment on somebody's build a couple days ago.

[sjordan2]

DECEMBER 2: According to a friend of Harry's on Facebook, he was released from the hospital to go home. He is unable to take care of himself, and his insurance company approved putting him in a rehab facility, where he is now.

[crazyjim]

At least he's out of the hospital.  Sure hope he gets better soon.  I wonder what's going to happen to the magazine and this forum with Harry being out of action for a bit?

[mikemodeler]

At least he's out of the hospital.  Sure hope he gets better soon.  I wonder what's going to happen to the magazine and this forum with Harry being out of action for a bit?

We are all hopeful for a full, speedy recovery Jim. As far as the magazine, I am sure Gregg is on it and others will step up to get it compiled and ready for publishing. The forum seems to have been relatively tame with little or no drama over the last year and maybe we can all play nice.

Harry has been a huge part of both the forum and magazine for so long and I sure hope he continues to be.

[cobraman]

Don't worry about us Harry just get yourself better !! That's my Christmas wish.

[Belugawrx]

We are all hopeful for a full, speedy recovery Jim. As far as the magazine, I am sure Gregg is on it and others will step up to get it compiled and ready for publishing. The forum seems to have been relatively tame with little or no drama over the last year and maybe we can all play nice.

Harry has been a huge part of both the forum and magazine for so long and I sure hope he continues to be.

Hear Hear !!

And heres to a speedy recovery for our friend Harry !

Cheers

[peekay]

Harry, this is really tough. You are in my thoughts and I wish you the best possible outcome.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Hang in there Harry, lots of us pulling for you!!!