When Someone Hits Their Breaking Point

This is part of Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.

Years ago I worked in a food bank that was associated with a church. We gave food to people who came in and needed it. We also helped pay bills such as rent and electricity. We generally did not pay the deposits for electricity since the client would get that money back, after a year, if they were able to pay their bills successfully each month. We had a mix of populations: those on Welfare and those not on Welfare, nor eligible because their jobs paid a little too much.

Just as we were about to close one day, a woman and a very pregnant woman holding a toddler's hand walked in. The pregnant woman was crying and her face was bruised. She kept looking down, gently whispering to the mischievous toddler. I brought a toy over for the toddler to play with and found out the accompanying woman was actually a social worker.

This pregnant woman was leaving her husband, her abusive husband, after almost two years of abuse. They had an apartment set up for her but she had to pay all the other bills. She needed money for the electricity deposit and the social worker was bringing her to us for help. We didn't pay deposits, but how could deny her freedom from abuse?

I locked the doors since we were technically closed. I filled out some paperwork for her. Then I got to calling various other organizations to see what we could do. We all had the same policy and none of them had seen her and her aborable child. I thought, what the heck!! I called the electric company and spoke to a certain someone. I explained her situation and that she already had the apartment paid for for one year. I was able to argue my case and the electric company waived the deposit. I don't think I ever saw such a huge smile on someone so desperate!!

I saw her one other time prior to our moving (my husband is Navy after all). She had her baby and her toddler. She came to thank me. Her husband was in jail for several years and she was getting divorced. She had a great job and had been able to maintain her bills and take over the apartment payment. She was doing well. I hope she still is doing well!

Lend a Hand

There is a little boy in our county who is suffering from brain cancer. As a result of the health care system being in shambles, his family has to pay a lot of money out of pocket. I still do not understand how insurance companies can decide a child is not good enough to invest in. But, that is me and not what this post is about.

His friends and family are hosting a bake sale down on the island at a famous (for our area) location. I do not know these people. It was put out as an event on Facebook and another friend shared it on her page. I contacted the people in charge to ask if I could bring some gluten-free/vegan baked goods for them to sell. They were so excited!! I actually feel like I should be honored, being able to help him.

Anyway, I have decided on the Dark Chocolate Muffins from the Flying Apron's Gluten-Free & Vegan Baking Book. I hope they go over well. I know the chocolate muffins are a family favorite. I just hope the family doesn't get to them!! LOL!!

If you can find a way to help those that are sick (not just cancer, but anything), please do. I do not mean buying something pink during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" (which also is Domestic Violence Awareness Month). The pink is too commercialized. Volunteer somewhere if you are able. Donate money directly to those doing the research. If you know them, make some meals, clean their house, anything to give them more time in their life to enjoy something. I think "people" have been forgotten by insurance and large companies.