“I Can’t Hold on to my Foolish Pride”

I am a proud person who does everything in my power to keep from asking for help from anyone. But in February, I found myself in a situation where I could no longer hold onto my foolish pride.

It all started in October when my job was phased out and in order to continue working with the company I had been working for the past 10 plus years, I had to take a different job at a reduce pay level.  With all that was happening around me, I was just thankful to be able to still have some sort of job.  I knew I was going to have to make some lifestyle changes though as the reduction in my salary was going to be significant.  Now I never had a lot, and although some months were a struggle I was always able to pay my bills, have food on the table and it seemed have money for life’s occasional emergency.  I would just need to make a budget and stick to and pray that I did not incur any unplanned expenses. 

Well, that is a lot easier said than done and unforeseen circumstance DO happen and then we MUST make choices.  Let me give you a little bit of background.  I am a single woman.  My family is my two dogs.  Anyone who has or has had pets knows they do become your family.  In January, my one dog was hit by a car.  I had to take him to an emergency vet, after hours on the weekend to be treated.   After 18 stitches to his thigh and leg, and an extremely expensive bill for the first visit and additional bills for follow-up treatment, I found myself juggling to save my best friend or go without lights. I figured that I could be okay and would manage with no lights or electricity for two weeks until my next payday (I would just pray for it not to get really cold as it sometimes does this time of year).  But a friend told me about Catholic Charities.  I was told they provided assistance no matter what religion, race, etc.  I figured at this point what did I have to lose, I would try to call. I was able to get an appointment, which helped to keep my electricity on as they were scheduled to be turned off the next day after my appointment.

I want to also say in addition to the assistance I received, the staff was very helpful and courteous. (In fact one of the ladies gave me a Valentine Candy treat she made!)  When I scheduled my appointment, I was advised of what documents to bring in and what to do once I received the voucher. Catholic Charities let me know it is okay, sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where all it takes is to just ask for a little help.

The help you gave me helped me get through a rough time and allowed me to keep my electricity on!

Thank you so very much!

P.S. - My dog has also fully recovered and is back to chasing Frisbees!!