Rhonda

No wonder you're feeling overwhelmed right now.  Don't let your fears and
tears add feelings of guilt to the situation.  The LORD understands.  Let it
go and let it out.  I'm sure any of us would be happy to talk to you on the
phone.  This sort of thing is just what Phil's ministry is about, praying
people through tough times like this, so feel free to call any of us  or
write to us off list any time you just want to let go and pour out your
heart if you're not comfortable doing that in public or in writing on the
list.

Next, being a guy I approach these things on the logical level (and we all
know I like lists.  Smile.)  So, first things first, what do you need to get
by when Ben is hospitalized?  Is there anyone at all to help you with things
Ben might have helped you with, paying bills or whatever?  Are you close to
anyone, pastors, etc., at church who can help if you explain your situation?
If not, try to find out from Ben whatever details you need to approach each
day step by step and issue by issue.  If nothing else, I just heard on TV
that the Salvation Army helps out with a lot of stuff most folks never
imagine and they might have someone who can help you in ways you don't
expect or can make a referral for things you wouldn't imagine they would do.
Especially this time of year.  And if not them, there are probably other
agencies that exist for emergency situations or just for coping situations
like this.  (I don't know, but if you get hold of some of the agencies for
the Blind could they recommend someone who specializes in assisting blind
folks with sudden needs like this?)

It sounds like you have a lot of conjecture.  Not sure what the job will pay
or when, etc.  Is there any way you can nail those things down and know
exactly what you're dealing with?  Sometimes it's impossible to get a handle
on things in one big, scary mass but try to get as much of the facts as
possible and deal with these things bite by bite rather than being
overwhelmed by a lot of vague possibilities that might not happen.  (Which
is what I do all the time.  Smile.  So I've got to work on practicing what I
preach.)  Whatever it is, as we can read from Gail's note and from other
testimonies on the list, JESUS can and will get you and Ben through even
this situation, and this is only a small valley on the way to eternal Glory,
so don't lose perspective.  It's just a matter of how He gets you through
and whether there is anything you and Ben can do to make it easier on
yourselves along the way.

Praying for you and Ben.

Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rhonda" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2003 11:11 PM
Subject: feeling sad


> Ben seems a little better today, though he isworried about what we will
> do financially.  His work will pay him full salary for one week, and
> then if he claims a short term disability they will pay fifty percent.
> That is better than nothing, but our rent here is 1000  and our car
> payment is 400 so that would be about it.
> The doctors  say his foot looks pretty good, though they expect to have
> to do another surgery to make sure all the infection is gone, it seems
> the toe next to the one they had to take doesn't look to good, but they
> are trying to save it.
> Ben's fever was down tonight, so maybe the antibiotics are helping.
> I am behind on my class assignments as you can imagine what with the
> week I've had, and really just don't know how I'll catch up.
> The doctors say Ben could be in the hospital for two weeks, or maybe
> even a month depending on how the foot does and his blood sugar levels
> go.  His level was 300 today, I just want to cry,
> though I really can't I am trying to be strong, but I am afraid,
> got any ideas?  I know God is here,  but I just wish I knew someone
> here, I feel so all alone.
>
> Rhonda