Mom grew up in during The Depression. That simple statement means she has vivid memories of the family electricity being shut off. She remembers getting government assistance for butter, cheese and flour. She remembers getting an "allotment" of coal for heat and her mother sifting through the "clunkers" in an effort to extend the life of the "Welfare Coal".
Today we met with Aging Resources of Central Iowa. Mom had called them a couple of times asking some questions. You see, she uses some personal care products that cost about $75 a month and she has seen television ads saying "If you are on Medicaid we'll ship you these products at no charge to you. We'll even pay for shipping and handling."
Mom thought that might be a way to save a little if she could qualify.
We sat with a beautiful young lady Wenda who explained the options of applying for Medicaid. Mom listened carefully.
"I just don't know", she said. "I know I meet the income guidelines but I worry."
"What do you worry about", asked Wenda.
"I worry that there are other people worse off than I and if I use assistance others might be denied."
Did I mention that Mom's father, Frank, during the height of the Great Depression decided to "do something" for those who were hurting? He signed up with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and fought for workers who did not have a voice and won contracts for better pay and benefits. Mom also remembers that during those tough times fellow union leadership would stop by the house with food and conversation for her family of six. (Photo, Grandfather Frank's Union Buttons)
In a way her father's voice was in her comment, "If I use assistance others might be denied." She's still looking out for others...
I'm proud...of her and my grandfather.
And...so it goes.
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