9/11 and other things

Lots of things today. First -- 9/11/01 -- unless you are a child, most likely you remember the events of that tragic day. We all have our memories; I was doing day care when Mark called me to tell me to turn the TV on. It was horrible. I called him later because I was in a panic. I wanted my boys with me, so he went to their school to get them and bring them to me. I honestly thought the whole country was going to be targeted, and I thought St. Louis would be a likely choice. I wanted my family close.

I have put a link to The Falling Man. It will make you think -- I do have to warn you that there are some gut wrenching things in the video (it is also a book, by the way -- of the same name). Very thought provoking.

Second -- I am tired of being broke. Today, Patrick called me from school and asked that I bring him $1. (He takes a bit of money every day to buy a slice of cheese for his sandwich.) I had to tell him no. It hurt. I know he will be fine, but it really bothers me that I have to be so cost conscious. I don't have much gas in my car, so I am saving it. In addition, I really don't have the money to give to him. It is just the little things like this that make me sick to my stomach. I am 46 years old, and I just don't think life should be this gut wrenching.

I know there are a ton of people that have it worse. I do count my blessings. I guess I just don't like to have to tell my kids no, especially when it shouldn't be a big thing.

I have a friend that has been helping me out by sending food and household items to me. I recieved a box yesterday and realized that I am out of places to store the food. I am grateful that I know such a kind and giving person; I did tell her that I have run out of storage room. At any rate, I decided to give back to the food pantry that helped me out several times when there wasn't enough food to last all month. So I went through my pantry and took out items that I already had several of or that I thought would not be consumed. Three bags -- my boys helped me and we just took it in and handed it to them. It did feel good to be able to give back just a bit, and I think the boys were proud to help out too. Now, if only I could figure out a way to turn good deeds into money! That isn't really how I feel -- good deeds are done for the sake of being charitable.

I will stop here for now. I have some cleaning that I need to get done before I have to pick up my boys today. I do hope that the video is watched and that time is set saside, if only for a moment, to remember that we have our freedoms at the expense of others.

Health Care Reform

I am an Obama supporter. I think his heath care initiatives are on the right track. I believe it is important for all Americans to have access to health care. I know personally how one's health can make or break a family. I am one of those families that are in financial ruin because of poor health.



I agree that there shouldn't be caps on health insurance. If someone becomes terribly ill, like my own beloved aunt for example, it can eventually tear everything she had worked for her entire life, away from her.



I like what I am hearing. I like that everyone will have access to health care. I like that health insurance companies will be held accountable for dropping consumers when they become high risk. I like that insurance companies would not be allowed to refuse policies for those with pre-existing conditions.



I especially like that he wants to reform the system that doesn't allow care for the poorest of our country. We, as a people, have a responsibility to those who cannot provide for themselves, whether that involves health care or any other expenses.



I also like that he is looking at waste in health care -- and in business in general. I agree that the spending on health care should not increase our country's deficit. We have created monsters that lurk around the corner with our present health care.