I am almost 81 and I want to say this with great caring and love. I have been where you are more than once in my long life. I know that clench that wakes you up at 3 am and stays with you. At a very low point in my life a wise woman helped our family and I felt embarrassed to have to accept that help and she hugged me and said “Sometimes in life we can be givers and sometimes we need to be receivers and remember those times and just pay it forward.” ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, TediZ. I am just astonished by the kindness shown by our readers and am eternally grateful. If there was ever a time to be hopeful for a brighter future and for humanity, for me it’s today.
So glad that this may work itself out - though moving will be no fun in any event, and who knows what an MRI will show...
As a 'victim' of socialized medicine in Canada, I must say it is hard for me to understand the idea that a physician might recommend a test and somebody is in a position to say No. The only conceivable circumstance where that might happen is if the physician is under review by the public insurer for over-prescribing, and even then, the sanction will fall on the physician, not on the patient.
And yes, I no doubt pay a bit more in taxes for such a system to operate, and I think I get value for money, even if I am relatively healthy and don't use the system as much as others (fine with me!)
I am contributing. As a retiree in the northeast, I look forward to your commentary each day and have so for several months. Your words often solidify things I have thought. It is also helpful to know that your readers are connected across the country and that disbelief in the absurdity we see each day from this administration is not limited to my portion of the "woke" northeast.
Roger, thank you for your contribution and for being a reader. The “woke” northeast is lucky to have you, as are we. The absurdity is so dumbfounding that the news increasingly feels like a dystopian horror comic unfolding in real time. I am glad to be able to report it alongside my mom.
Members of my extended family have collided into the cold, impenetrable walls of health care denials. Without family and friend financial support and savvy activism with local politicians, the outcomes would have been devastating. It should not be like this! Paying it forward is the least we can do. Sending streams of positive “vibes” to you, your adorable youngest son, and family.
I am so touched by the hope giving stories you share with us, and well informed by the other stories. I am 82 and I too have been over run by that 3AM clench in the gut by life’s events. Hooray for you for asking for help. Breathe and be well.
Shanley, your efforts to find good in humanity are a gift for all of us that still believe it exists...but struggle to find it in these crazy times. Your writing is so uplifting... and seems to come right when I need it. I hope my "pay it forward" contribution, as well as the contributions of so many generous souls reflecting the good side of humanity, can be equally valuable in helping to meet your family's needs in a timely way.
Steve, I am grateful for your contribution and your words. There have been so many times in my life when I was called naive for seeing the world they way I do, and it warms my heart to finally have found a space where my undying hope can bring light to the lives of others. I hope to one day be able to “pay it forward” in this same way.
Thanks, Shanley! You are definitely bringing hope to the lives of others, and OMG, we all need as much hope as you and others with your special talents can help us find....NOW! I have spent my entire career as an urban forester, university professor, and landscape architect helping students and the general public actually "see" in nature what they were "looking at." You can obviously "see"... so many people can't, or don't want to!! If we can see the amazing interconnectedness and beauty in nature, how can we not see the same beauty and connections....and good.... in humanity? If that defines being naive, then the world needs more of it, and it sounds like I'm in great company! Best wishes getting through these difficult times.....
Shanley after I read your stellar writing I need time to digest its depth and meaning in our world. My heart led me to donate more than I’ve ever given with various gofundme accounts. Blessings to you & family 🌻
Thank you, Cindy. I can’t express enough my gratitude and I’m happy to know my writing brings depth and light to your world. I hope I can continue to do so.
God bless you, your family and baby son, that he soon gets the MRI and medical care necessary. Such a cutie he is. I hope you find suitable housing soon. You live in a beautiful area on the Oregon coast… hoping you get to continue living there. Thank you always for your well written newsletters. Sincerely, Nancy Bardeleben from the Seattle area.❤️🙏
Just saw the update, Shanley. My heart is about to burst with joy!!! There are still wonderful people out there. And I must add, you have the cutest baby in the whole world. YAY!!!
I’m so glad you did what you resisted. It’s wonderful that so many gave so much! AND not just dollars. Care, love, sincere sympathy, empathy and understanding and so much more. At some point in our lives we have lived what you are living now. Seems a lot of us are in our 70’s or older so we know the ups and downs of life. They aren’t always easy but when you have many people pulling for you it hopefully will lessen the burden. 🩷🩷
When I had my tongue cancer, the doctor said that they needed to pull some perfectly healthy teeth to prevent the radiation from scattering. The insurance company denied coverage, saying that that was a dental procedure. I appealed, saying that it was a medical procedure required only because of the radiation. Denied again. I appealed again with supporting letters from my doctors and dentist. Denied again. I appealed again after my daughter said that after the third appeal lawyers are involved and that is expensive for the company. I was approved. So, keep at them. They are counting on you to give up. My wife and I so value your cogent, thoughtful and skillful writing. It makes us feel less lonely in this crazy world. We're so sorry that you have to deal with all of this while trying to make some sense of it all.
I can't imagine your situation. I know you are strong just by the very words you write in a challenging time in your life. I'm hoping the world appreciates you sooner than later. Please keep us updated
Shanley, thank you for not being afraid to tell your story. It is a story repeated over and over in our broken nation lately. You bring your insight and writing into our lives daily. I feel privileged to be able to shield the Hurt family from the "jaw clenching" chaos that life throws at us occasionally. And that laughing baby made my day. Scratch that. He made my week. To all the givers and receivers here, thank you for being a part of the community that Mary and Shanley created.
Dorothy, it was your comment that inspired all of this, and I am eternally grateful, your kindness and warmth alone have made a world of difference for us. Sending love and positive vibes your way.
I sat down tonight to ask if you'd considered a GoFundMe account. This form of crowd sourcing is awesome! So many people can be helped (and are helped) when we hear their individual stories. Glad you found it to be a suitable path for your family. I am delighted to contribute in the small way that I can knowing that it all adds up. You and Mary add so much to my days in this time of chaos and fear and shock. Let this MRI be the first step with hopefully a happy outcome so that more steps aren't needed and you can be at peace. But if more is needed, put it out there ... let those who want to help you do so. With love!
Thank you, Laurie. I never thought anything like this would happen, when I wrote the essay I wrote out of anger in what people are asked to tolerate, and it was met with so much love. I’m so incredibly blessed, and if I know one thing, this has given me all the motivation in the world to keep writing and keep fighting the good fight with my mom and Marz.
I am almost 81 and I want to say this with great caring and love. I have been where you are more than once in my long life. I know that clench that wakes you up at 3 am and stays with you. At a very low point in my life a wise woman helped our family and I felt embarrassed to have to accept that help and she hugged me and said “Sometimes in life we can be givers and sometimes we need to be receivers and remember those times and just pay it forward.” ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, TediZ. I am just astonished by the kindness shown by our readers and am eternally grateful. If there was ever a time to be hopeful for a brighter future and for humanity, for me it’s today.
So glad that this may work itself out - though moving will be no fun in any event, and who knows what an MRI will show...
As a 'victim' of socialized medicine in Canada, I must say it is hard for me to understand the idea that a physician might recommend a test and somebody is in a position to say No. The only conceivable circumstance where that might happen is if the physician is under review by the public insurer for over-prescribing, and even then, the sanction will fall on the physician, not on the patient.
And yes, I no doubt pay a bit more in taxes for such a system to operate, and I think I get value for money, even if I am relatively healthy and don't use the system as much as others (fine with me!)
I am contributing. As a retiree in the northeast, I look forward to your commentary each day and have so for several months. Your words often solidify things I have thought. It is also helpful to know that your readers are connected across the country and that disbelief in the absurdity we see each day from this administration is not limited to my portion of the "woke" northeast.
Thank you and keep up the good effort.
Roger, thank you for your contribution and for being a reader. The “woke” northeast is lucky to have you, as are we. The absurdity is so dumbfounding that the news increasingly feels like a dystopian horror comic unfolding in real time. I am glad to be able to report it alongside my mom.
Members of my extended family have collided into the cold, impenetrable walls of health care denials. Without family and friend financial support and savvy activism with local politicians, the outcomes would have been devastating. It should not be like this! Paying it forward is the least we can do. Sending streams of positive “vibes” to you, your adorable youngest son, and family.
Yes….TediZ has spoken for me as well.
You make a difference in our lives with your gift of writing. Please allow us to make a difference in yours. ❤️❤️
Tedi Z has said it better than I can. And, you WILL prevail! Bless you for all the good energy you send out in your newsletter. 💕
I am so touched by the hope giving stories you share with us, and well informed by the other stories. I am 82 and I too have been over run by that 3AM clench in the gut by life’s events. Hooray for you for asking for help. Breathe and be well.
Shanley, your efforts to find good in humanity are a gift for all of us that still believe it exists...but struggle to find it in these crazy times. Your writing is so uplifting... and seems to come right when I need it. I hope my "pay it forward" contribution, as well as the contributions of so many generous souls reflecting the good side of humanity, can be equally valuable in helping to meet your family's needs in a timely way.
Steve, I am grateful for your contribution and your words. There have been so many times in my life when I was called naive for seeing the world they way I do, and it warms my heart to finally have found a space where my undying hope can bring light to the lives of others. I hope to one day be able to “pay it forward” in this same way.
Thanks, Shanley! You are definitely bringing hope to the lives of others, and OMG, we all need as much hope as you and others with your special talents can help us find....NOW! I have spent my entire career as an urban forester, university professor, and landscape architect helping students and the general public actually "see" in nature what they were "looking at." You can obviously "see"... so many people can't, or don't want to!! If we can see the amazing interconnectedness and beauty in nature, how can we not see the same beauty and connections....and good.... in humanity? If that defines being naive, then the world needs more of it, and it sounds like I'm in great company! Best wishes getting through these difficult times.....
Shanley after I read your stellar writing I need time to digest its depth and meaning in our world. My heart led me to donate more than I’ve ever given with various gofundme accounts. Blessings to you & family 🌻
Thank you, Cindy. I can’t express enough my gratitude and I’m happy to know my writing brings depth and light to your world. I hope I can continue to do so.
God bless you, your family and baby son, that he soon gets the MRI and medical care necessary. Such a cutie he is. I hope you find suitable housing soon. You live in a beautiful area on the Oregon coast… hoping you get to continue living there. Thank you always for your well written newsletters. Sincerely, Nancy Bardeleben from the Seattle area.❤️🙏
Just saw the update, Shanley. My heart is about to burst with joy!!! There are still wonderful people out there. And I must add, you have the cutest baby in the whole world. YAY!!!
I’m so glad you did what you resisted. It’s wonderful that so many gave so much! AND not just dollars. Care, love, sincere sympathy, empathy and understanding and so much more. At some point in our lives we have lived what you are living now. Seems a lot of us are in our 70’s or older so we know the ups and downs of life. They aren’t always easy but when you have many people pulling for you it hopefully will lessen the burden. 🩷🩷
When I had my tongue cancer, the doctor said that they needed to pull some perfectly healthy teeth to prevent the radiation from scattering. The insurance company denied coverage, saying that that was a dental procedure. I appealed, saying that it was a medical procedure required only because of the radiation. Denied again. I appealed again with supporting letters from my doctors and dentist. Denied again. I appealed again after my daughter said that after the third appeal lawyers are involved and that is expensive for the company. I was approved. So, keep at them. They are counting on you to give up. My wife and I so value your cogent, thoughtful and skillful writing. It makes us feel less lonely in this crazy world. We're so sorry that you have to deal with all of this while trying to make some sense of it all.
I can't imagine your situation. I know you are strong just by the very words you write in a challenging time in your life. I'm hoping the world appreciates you sooner than later. Please keep us updated
Shanley, thank you for not being afraid to tell your story. It is a story repeated over and over in our broken nation lately. You bring your insight and writing into our lives daily. I feel privileged to be able to shield the Hurt family from the "jaw clenching" chaos that life throws at us occasionally. And that laughing baby made my day. Scratch that. He made my week. To all the givers and receivers here, thank you for being a part of the community that Mary and Shanley created.
Dorothy, it was your comment that inspired all of this, and I am eternally grateful, your kindness and warmth alone have made a world of difference for us. Sending love and positive vibes your way.
I sat down tonight to ask if you'd considered a GoFundMe account. This form of crowd sourcing is awesome! So many people can be helped (and are helped) when we hear their individual stories. Glad you found it to be a suitable path for your family. I am delighted to contribute in the small way that I can knowing that it all adds up. You and Mary add so much to my days in this time of chaos and fear and shock. Let this MRI be the first step with hopefully a happy outcome so that more steps aren't needed and you can be at peace. But if more is needed, put it out there ... let those who want to help you do so. With love!
Thank you, Laurie. I never thought anything like this would happen, when I wrote the essay I wrote out of anger in what people are asked to tolerate, and it was met with so much love. I’m so incredibly blessed, and if I know one thing, this has given me all the motivation in the world to keep writing and keep fighting the good fight with my mom and Marz.