If nothing else goes right, I hope your health is good, and I pray your children health is good too. Many single mothers have little or no health insurance for themselves or their children. That was me too, back when I was raising my family.
I am always reminded of how grateful I was for the insurance we used to have when I was married. The phone company gave wonderful benefits to their employees and their families. Each of the births of my five children were almost completely paid for, except for a small, nominal fee. Health insurance was taken for granted then, all was well, without ever thinking it would come to an end.
When my marriage ended, and my ex husband lost his job, I wasn’t even thinking about our health insurance. On top of everything else we all were going through, health insurance was on the bottom of my list of concerns. That was one of my first mistakes. I, as a single mother never realized how important my own health was in caring for my entire family. Let’s face it, if parents don’t have their health in check, how can they continue to take good care of their family? It’s not easy, and in the long run, there will be problems down the road.
I tried to apply for Medi-Cal back then, just for health coverage for me and my kids. I thought you could ask for only that, however I was told that I made too much money (really?) and that I needed to move into a smaller place, or rent a small apartment. At that time, I was renting a house for all of us and had enough space to accommodate my home daycare business too. The office personnel told me, that if I wanted to “rake in” the cash and opportunities I could easily do that since I had five children to care for. In other words if I quit my job and rent a much smaller place we could collect food stamps, cash aid and health benefits.
I remember telling her how does that help someone climb our of the hole they are in? How does this way of thinking promote any effort to reach for goals and strive for a better, more independent life? Frankly, I was pretty disgusted with that conversation. I have always believed welfare is for the needy and less fortunate. I do not judge those who use the system for the right reasons. I have respect for anyone who does their best and doesn’t take advantage of that system. However, I did have a full time job, barely making ends meet, but certainly did not have enough money for health insurance. I wanted to work, and all I needed was a helping hand with medical care for my children, I wasn’t asking for stamps or cash, but the response I got was, quit what you’re doing, and you can get everything.
True, I was having a difficult time, but I was proud of my work ethics. I wanted to teach my children that although life isn’t always fair, it is always best to do the right thing. Patience, hard work, and determination will bring positive results to our lives. That was my belief, and something my father handed down to all six of his kids too.
The point is to take good care of yourself and try your best to get health coverage for you and your children. If you can’t, then choose to eat right, get out and exercise with your young children everyday, and live the best, positive life you can. Way back when, we didn’t have some of the better health options that are in place today. Nothing is more important than our health. Prevention is the key and it will be passed down for your children and generations to come!
For more information you can also go to Homedaycare4You.com
Article by Laurie Cesario-Overton
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