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Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 01:34 PM Jul 2012

My personal reason for enthusiastically supporting Pres. Obama.

This will be a long, very personal post, so, please, bear with me.

Years ago, my parents took out a mortgage on their home. They did so to do repairs to the house, specifically the roof, windows, and driveway. Much of the money was invested in updating the house, which was built in the 1940s, so that it essentially didn't appear like it was crumbling. Some of the repairs inside included new bathroom & kitchen flooring.

My parents were always good at making their payments on the mortgage. In fact, they were never late. For years, they paid their monthly amount and did things the right way. There was never any concern over not being able to make that payment and so, my mom never feared the prospects of losing her house.

Then, toward the end of 2010, my dad became ill and died. He was 57 years old. He was also a Vietnam veteran, who had been ruled 100% disabled years before from his time in Vietnam. He suffered from PTSD and an array of medical problems associated with Agent Orange. I've written about my Dad's struggles before, so, I won't go into 'em personally, but let's just say that his quality of life slipped remarkably the last few years of his life - as he had suffered a broken hip, grand mal seizure, and that final year, 2010, he was bed stricken far more often than not.

Still, even with his medical conditions, Dad's death in that November was extremely unexpected and sudden. We knew his health was deteriorating, but I don't think we expected that it was happening as fast as it was. But he couldn't fight any longer and, one day, he was gone.

My mom is in her 60s and suffers from COPD. It's not as severe as most cases and was directly brought on by her smoking years ago (she quit maybe seven or eight years ago), but it means she's on oxygen a good portion of the day and, when out and about, can become very winded. She's also crippled with arthritis. For most of the final years of my dad's life, she was stuck in the house taking care of him. A lot of this had to do with his declining memory, since he suffered from cerebral atrophy, something that was a direct result of Agent Orange, and because of it, he had awful memory loss. She would have to regulate his eating, and more importantly, his pill taking, because he would forget just having done it. After his seizure, it became impossible to drive and that left my mom taking him to most of his appointments at the veteran's hospital here.

This after spending much of the last 10 years prior being an in-home caregiver to my grandfather, who suffered a stroke in the late 90s. My grandma had asked my mom to help her take care of him because she didn't want to A) have a nurse move in with her and B) put him in a home. My mom agreed and uprooted her family, my father and me, to move in with my grandparents to help take care of my grandpa throughout the final years of his life. This included getting him in and out of bed, helping him use the bathroom, cleaning him, getting him ready for doctors appointments and just being there to help my grandma whenever she needed it.

Neither my mom, or grandma, had much life outside the house because they both were committed to taking care of my grandpa. When my grandparents passed, both almost a year apart, my dad's health declined and my mom found herself back in the same position as a care provider.

Not that she cared. She was always a domestic woman. But it was hard. It's been hard. She had to work her butt off and, truth be told, those people often don't make money. But she also didn't work outside the house for a good portion of the past decade. She held a job for all her adult life, even when I was a kid, but had to give it up when my grandpa had his stroke. She was in her 40s or early 50s at that point and by the time my grandparents and dad passed on, she was already in her 60s and, as I said, with medical problems of her own.

When my dad died, it was a shocker. But we also knew he had some benefits to his name that my mom deserved, since she had been married to him for nearly 30 years (truth be told, they would have celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary last Saturday). So, my mom applied for the benefits and then began living off my dad's life insurance. At the time, she didn't think it would take that long. Yes, working with the VA could be time consuming, but this was in early 2011, just months after my dad's death, and she was certain it would take no more than 200 days to approve. This was bolstered by the information itself, which said they would have a ruling within the first 150 days.

There was never concern that she would go so long without income. But she couldn't afford her house payments anymore. There just wasn't enough money from the life insurance to pay that and have enough over for the bills and food. She struggled with every payment and soon, when the life insurance dried up, she had no income. Outside watching some of her grandkids, and collecting on my dad's Social Security, her money was dwindling fast. That meant no house payments. It was scary to risk not paying the mortgage, but my mom and dad had been good at paying it every month for years, so, she felt it would only be temporary, maybe a couple months at the most.

It wasn't. Because of government cuts and freezes, there was a logjam of new claims to file and 150 days turned into essentially a year and a half.

The mortgage bills have mounted as the VA continued deciding her case. There was a point, earlier this year, where it felt like my mom would lose her house. So, she stepped up and looked into Obama's mortgage program and began going through the process of saving her home. That has helped immensely, setting up new payment plans, which has bought her some time.

Of course, that all was moot if the VA never ruled. The MHA still requires you to pay your mortgage! And dammit, Mom was getting the runaround when she contacted the VA. Not that I put the blame on them, they were just so inundated with claims that they've been struggling the last few years meeting them. It's tough. I get that. We get that. But for her, this was her livelihood. This was her parents' house, the home she grew up in as a child, the home where she first raised my brother Richard, who died at age 12 from leukemia, and the home she and my dad made their own when my grandparents died. They did everything right when they took out that mortgage. They didn't do it for luxury reasons. They didn't go buy a new car or jet off on an expensive vacation. They didn't splurge the money on superficial goods - they fixed their home.

They were never late on their payments.

They were good, honest people who just got caught up in a bad cycle.

And earlier this year, it appeared as the chickens were coming home to roost.

Desperate, she wrote President Obama. I know, silly, right? What the heck could he do? But when you're desperate, sometimes you do crazy things like that.

She outlined everything that had happened - my dad's illness, his death, her struggles, and the fight to save her house. We didn't expect a response. And none came officially from the White House. So, after a week of nothing, we decided drawing up plans on what to do if my mom lost her house.

Then, maybe two or three weeks after her letter to the President, she received a call. It was the VA. Some man who was calling from Minneapolis. Not too surprising, since the VA has kept my mom updated on the benefits since she filed shortly after my dad's death. But this call came from a different location and the man, laughing, asked my mom right off the bat if she contacted the President.

Why yes she did. But how would he know?

He laughed again. The White House had contacted them and asked that they push through my mom's case. I kid you not. Honest. Hand to God.

My mom was floored.

Today, she finally got the letter. They approved of her benefits and back pay all the way through to December, 2010 - the month after my dad died.

She can save her house now.

With a big help from President Obama.

41 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My personal reason for enthusiastically supporting Pres. Obama. (Original Post) Drunken Irishman Jul 2012 OP
This is such a happy ending riverbendviewgal Jul 2012 #1
Wow, now that's pushing thru some red tape... LOL. She must have written one heck of a letter. glowing Jul 2012 #2
Sniff... Kahuna Jul 2012 #3
Aw. This choked me up. I'm so happy for you both, Irishman. n/t pnwmom Jul 2012 #4
He's more like most of us than people expect. And that's a good thing! freshwest Jul 2012 #5
So glad for the happy ending rox63 Jul 2012 #6
K&R and thank you for sharing your family's story livetohike Jul 2012 #7
Mr. Irishman..... a kennedy Jul 2012 #8
You've always been one of my favorite posters, and this is officially my Grown2Hate Jul 2012 #9
What a great story!! Glad things worked out for your mother. She deserves it Glimmer of Hope Jul 2012 #10
I am so glad! redwitch Jul 2012 #11
Dude. JNelson6563 Jul 2012 #12
yeah! The POTUS LittleGirl Jul 2012 #13
Wonderful story! tilsammans Jul 2012 #14
nice bigtree Jul 2012 #15
KnR and posted to FB, with this remark: BlancheSplanchnik Jul 2012 #16
Thanks for sharing AnnieK401 Jul 2012 #17
humans in the white house heaven05 Jul 2012 #18
What a wonderful, uplifting post PatSeg Jul 2012 #19
Well, Mr. Irish Iwillnevergiveup Jul 2012 #20
Obama Cares Cracklin Charlie Jul 2012 #21
WOW! At first, I wasn't going to take the time emmadoggy Jul 2012 #22
This would NEVER happen if the Rethugs were eliminated from the planet BanTheGOP Jul 2012 #23
A wonderful ending to years of trial! It is a shame she had to endure all of this! Kteachums Jul 2012 #24
Wonderful story! thank you! hedgehog Jul 2012 #25
Oh my....wonderful story... nenagh Jul 2012 #26
Tears of joy!!! Thank you for sharing japple Jul 2012 #27
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about your mother, her hardships, the VA and Obama's help.. Auntie Bush Jul 2012 #28
please give your mom a big hug for me Skittles Jul 2012 #29
Nice! pcaulfield Jul 2012 #30
That is an amazing, amazing story. joshcryer Jul 2012 #31
Thank you everyone for your replies. It means a lot... Drunken Irishman Jul 2012 #32
You're a very fine writer. DemocratsForProgress Jul 2012 #33
I agree. I noticed that as well as I was reading the post. Tobin S. Jul 2012 #34
You certainly are! This is a WUNNNNNderful story! calimary Jul 2012 #39
Real Joy momsrule Jul 2012 #35
Post removed Post removed Jul 2012 #36
I'm so happy for your Mom. President Obama, public servant, came through for her. sueh Jul 2012 #37
To all the people who didn't get help from the VA today Democrat 4 Ever Jul 2012 #38
Congratulations. However, it is sad that you all had to write the President to get what should southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #40
Wow, missed this one when it was posted. Wow. Faygo Kid Jul 2012 #41

riverbendviewgal

(4,252 posts)
1. This is such a happy ending
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:02 PM
Jul 2012

would be a good ad too for Obama but then again your mom just has to tell all her friends and neighbors and her local newspaper. and you too..

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
5. He's more like most of us than people expect. And that's a good thing!
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:42 PM
Jul 2012

It's also why Beck attacks the word 'Empathy.' Because that's what Barack has. How could he not have it with his upbringing?

a kennedy

(29,647 posts)
8. Mr. Irishman.....
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 06:48 PM
Jul 2012
and you're the best, and so happy for your mom. I'm voting for da man too. GOBAMA, GOBAMA, GOBAMA.

Grown2Hate

(2,010 posts)
9. You've always been one of my favorite posters, and this is officially my
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 08:07 PM
Jul 2012

favorite DU thread EVER. What a fucking AMAZING story. Thank you for that. I'm here at work tearing up. Thanks a ton for THAT too!

redwitch

(14,944 posts)
11. I am so glad!
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 09:55 PM
Jul 2012

So happy your mom gets to keep her home and that faith has been restored. Our President is a decent human being and I am proud of that fact.

tilsammans

(2,549 posts)
14. Wonderful story!
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 08:40 AM
Jul 2012

Very happy for your mom!

(Jeez, can you see anything like that coming from a Romney administration? Yeah right.)

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
16. KnR and posted to FB, with this remark:
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 09:16 AM
Jul 2012
Oh PLEASE, you MUST read this amazing story. ESPECIALLY if you think Republicans will take care of you and your concerns as a citizen of this country. (How anyone could think that is beyond me, but..... nevertheless...)


Thankyou DI, this is .....just.....


really important.



PatSeg

(47,399 posts)
19. What a wonderful, uplifting post
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 10:11 AM
Jul 2012

Thank you for sharing it. I am so glad your mom will be able to keep her house.

Iwillnevergiveup

(9,298 posts)
20. Well, Mr. Irish
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 10:34 AM
Jul 2012

This is one helluva story with a great ending. The Obama campaign should use it in a commercial.

Can I just say that I'm awestruck at the multiple catastrophes your family has faced. You all are the faces of wrong-headed policies that can seriously mess up lives. But you've come through it with determination and grace, and your mom.....well, she's a saint!

K&R

Cracklin Charlie

(12,904 posts)
21. Obama Cares
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 12:11 PM
Jul 2012

Your mother's selfless devotion to her family proves that she cares, too. What a great story!

Thank you!

emmadoggy

(2,142 posts)
22. WOW! At first, I wasn't going to take the time
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 02:05 PM
Jul 2012

to read this post. I'M SO GLAD I DID!

That is an incredible story! I'm so thrilled for your mom that this all worked out!

Wow. Just wow. Great story.


 

BanTheGOP

(1,068 posts)
23. This would NEVER happen if the Rethugs were eliminated from the planet
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 02:36 PM
Jul 2012

There is no question that without republicans, there would be NO problems for any people in the US, and far less problem on the planet. Your heartwarming story epitomizes the very existence of the most rogue, abusive, destrictive entity in the history of this planet, and must be destroyed before other good people like your family is targeted by Romney, Boehner, McConnell, and the GOP.

nenagh

(1,925 posts)
26. Oh my....wonderful story...
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 04:06 PM
Jul 2012

It is so heartwarming to read...and such a relief...

Well done Mumsy & Pres Obama!

Auntie Bush

(17,528 posts)
28. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about your mother, her hardships, the VA and Obama's help..
Tue Jul 3, 2012, 09:00 PM
Jul 2012

So nice it had a happy ending.

 

Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
32. Thank you everyone for your replies. It means a lot...
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 01:43 AM
Jul 2012

I would reply to you all, but I didn't expect this kind of response!

Anyway, my mom sent an e-mail to the White House thanking Pres. Obama and his staff. She did so mostly so that he could see he is having a positive impact on many American lives and not getting too dispirited during a grueling presidential campaign!

33. You're a very fine writer.
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 01:52 AM
Jul 2012

If you could find a place willing to feature you as a regular contributor, rather than just someone posting on a discussion board, that would be really cool.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
34. I agree. I noticed that as well as I was reading the post.
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 06:05 AM
Jul 2012

I'm glad everything is working out for your mom, Mr. Irishman.

momsrule

(100 posts)
35. Real Joy
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 12:10 PM
Jul 2012

I feel a great joy while reading your post. Joy for your mother and family and joy for all of as with such a wonderful man as our president. i wish more people would know and understand all the radical scourges that have been inflicted on the popluace by the conservatives and right wingnuts.
Democrats care!

Response to Drunken Irishman (Original post)

Democrat 4 Ever

(3,941 posts)
38. To all the people who didn't get help from the VA today
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 01:06 PM
Jul 2012

I am so glad Drunken Irishman's mother got the help she needed to save her home. That story is why I believe in the Democratic Party and President Obama. If only there weren't millions more just like her waiting for assistance.

For the last two years I have had the pleasure of working for the federal government. My job was literally a life saver. I was given a chance for a new beginning with decent pay, good benefits, safe working environment with truly smart and gifted people and the opportunity to prove myself and move forward with a future I once could only dream of. I'm one of the truly lucky ones.

Being in the federal government has given me a new perspective of what the Repugs think of us. The agency I'm in hasn't had a pay raise in three years with no proposed raise in the new budget year, we have seen our budget cut over 10% for the last three years with another proposed cut in the upcoming budget. We have had employees retired and positions not filled. In my small office of nine we are down three positions. We were swamped with work with 12 employees, with nine we are drowning. We can't begin to help everyone who needs our help yet we are all there, working non-stop, without breaks, lunches at our desk and impossible caseloads just trying to help while Repugs talk about how we are paid too much money, our benefits are too costly (but they truly love theirs!), there are too many of us and we are just lazy, money draining leeches.

I deal every day with every congressional office in my state, my office does all the work for my entire state plus we work with people both nationally and internationally who contacto us directly. People go to their Congressman seeking assistance - and I'm glad to help - but the hypocrisy by some of these offices who do not hesitant to dump the problems THEY created in our laps while telling anyone who will listen that we are suckling off the public teat and if they could just get rid of us then all would be right in Reichwing world.

I buy my own office supplies because the budget just doesn't stretch that far, we take on cases that should have never gotten to us if other agencies had the funds to do their jobs correctly to begin with, we are daily spitting against the wind trying to help people and then getting to listen to Repugs talk about how terrible the federal government, especially their workers, are. /end of rant

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
40. Congratulations. However, it is sad that you all had to write the President to get what should
Wed Jul 4, 2012, 07:50 PM
Jul 2012

have been done long before.

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