Editor:
My grampa said, “Always keep your money in a jar.”
Instead, I paid my taxes.
Turning 50 last year was of great excitement for me, until I was diagnosed with atrial fibulation and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in July.
After going through denial and thinking I could continue on with life as a normal healthy woman, I tried to return to the work force and planned for a long overdue vacation last month. Well, did my life let me know I was wrong. Spending most of the month of October in the hospital, work was out of the question and so was the vacation.
Now, after spending all my savings and any securities for a situation like this, I was forced to admit I needed help and had to apply to human resources, or what we called it back in our day, welfare.
Thank God for my roommate and longtime friend, as I do not know how I would of survived on the $610 a month I receive – of which $600 is my share of the rent.
MS is a disorder that affects your nerves and muscles, so falling down is an occurring thing. If my roommate did not buy the groceries, pay the bills, drive me to all my appointments and support me mentally and physically, I would be out on the street.
I understand that dealing with certain people who are supported by these resources can be difficult and trying, but I am not one of those people. I am always polite when talking on the phone to a “worker” – sometimes after waiting on hold for up to one hour and then being told my badly needed $610 is not ready, or even having been hung up on as I express the urgency of this money.
My roommate and I have made many a daunting trips to Fleetwood, using her gas and time, only to be told there was some mixup and we will have to come back for the cheque the next day.
I since applied for my “Persons With Disabilities,” as I am not able to hold down a job, only to be turned down to receive $905.
I have worked hard all my life, paid all my taxes, and was always brought up that Canada is a great place to live. I just know now that is the time in my life I need it to be great. Sick, disabled, old, poor… sometimes we need help.
What did I pay my taxes for?
Louise McKenzie, White Rock