After some minimal research this week, I learned that we currently qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children - an assistance program), and, since most programs use the same measuring standard, we likely qualify for other programs as well.
Which means that next week, once the smoke has cleared from this perfect storm of work + moving + birthday party, I will schedule the application interview.
I don't really know what to think about it. I'm trying to be kind to myself, but this is a serious paradigm shift, to put it lightly. Never once IN MY LIFE did I think that this would be us: the family that has to ask for assistance, the welfare family, the hand-out family - living on food stamps.
But I know that those terms are judgmental and discriminatory at best; hateful at worst. So this is the last I'll mention that sort of feeling. I hope.
I am clawing my way through every ounce of work I can take on, without sacrificing the quality of my work product (I must say, though, that my personal sanity is taking a back seat). I am doing the best I can by my children, my husband, our pantry, and our debt. In that order. And I'm fortunate to have a husband who is doing the same.
This month may well prove Judgment Day. If we can make it through to September, we might yet pull out of this tailspin. If not, bankruptcy may be the only option left.
There's still a good deal of humor, happiness, wit, and reflection trapped under the surface of all this bullshit. I only hope you guys can hold on with me while I wait to come up for air. Better days are coming. Surely.
