Congratulations, Wiz. It's a bittersweet thing to get approved for something you never wanted.

When I was approved I was happy and relieved only because I needed the money. It seemed strange getting that first deposit. But Wiz, we earned this benefit. This is not a handout.....we earned it by working years and years.......some of those years while we were battling this disease.

Relax and take some much needed time to rest and not worry about money. You've earned it. I remember all the work you've done over the years......you have earned this.

Thanks Kitty.

It's hard to accept that you cannot work any longer. I remember when I told my older brother, he started crying. I had to soothe him and assure him it doesn't mean I'm dying. We come from a family of very hard workers. Our dad worked until he was in his late 80s and only because we had to take his keys away because he was getting lost in his own town that he had lived in for decades.

I might find a way to do volunteer work a few hours a week. It's wonderful what you do here on NT.

Wiz, if could still drive and walk well (I have no balance) I'd volunteer at an animal rescue or an adoption organization. We have several here in the county I live in and I would love to do that. Of course I'd end up with a house full of cats so maybe I better find another cause to volunteer for! LOL

We have a shelter just a mile or so from our house. But I'm afraid I would have a house full of animals if I volunteered there.

I could also volunteer at the library in town, I love the ladies that work there. I could help older folks with their iphones and ipads. That was something I enjoyed doing while I still worked.

Or I could be a visitor to one of the local nursing homes. When my mom was living in one in her final days, there were countless old folks who never seemed to get visits, and they would look at us longingly as I comforted my mom. I would smile or give them a hug as I passed but since I was traveling from out of town each week to see my mom I never had time to do much more.