Where to start? SOOO much has happened in the last few weeks. First the good news…..we got the house! We are still in Kingwood, and still close to all of our wonderful friends. Jake and Amer started school again, and Arielle is 6months old, says a few words, has 2 teeth (and more coming in), and is crawling all over! All of this has been happening while we are moving, or at least starting to move. The BIG push for moving will be this weekend. So if anybody is in the Kingwood area with a truck, trailer, or just a strong back, we need you!
Katy has been fitted for her leg prosthetics! Her wounds are healing so much faster than anyone could have guessed, and everyone, from the doctors on down, are amazed by her healing. Her hip still gives her a lot of pain, but we are working through it. She stood up on Monday, with the help of the prosthetists and her nurse, but it is still the first time she stood up since February. She is supposed to be entering TIRR’s rehab center on the 12th for her 2 week boot camp. I would like to say a HUUUGGEEE Thanks to Ted Muilenburg, and all of the staff at Muilenburg Prosthetics. These folks are like family to us now, and the attention to detail, and Katy’s needs, goes WAY beyond what was expected. They are great people, and we feel blessed to have gotten to know them.
Now for the $h!t we have been dealing with. The wonderful folks at the Social Security Administration have started sending us letters telling us that if we don’t turn in certain paperwork that Katy will be declined for future SSI, and no longer received Medicaid. The thing is that the papers they are requesting have been turned in TWICE before. Now I am running around collecting copies of taxes, bank statements, and trust documents, all of which have been turned in before. I asked how on Earth they could lose documents containing such pertinent information such as social security numbers, birthdays, legal names, etc. They have no good answers. I have contacted an attorney, and we will be requesting another case manager. I do not feel as though this person is competent at their job, and I fear that relying on this person for my wife’s medical needs will only result in bad things.
That is the news for now. We will be having a house warming party soon, so keep looking for posts.
Love to all,
Al
MAZEL TOV on the house! MAZEL TOV on Katy standing up! MAZEL TOV on all of the good things, and we know you will make it through the things that aren’t so good! You two are such inspirations. Have fun at the house warming!
So happy for you and that you have been focused on what is important! Love you!!!!
Great News on the House!
You have help here for the move and our caravan with seats down & and one or more pulled out too. Give me a call (281) 681-1641.
Love and energetic moving support available here.
Lisa Cronce
enjoyed the update of one of the most amazing families that God has on the planet who encourages & inspires us with uall helping each other to live life to its fullest
WOW! This is awesome news about Katy standing on her new prostetics for the first time. Everything seems to be going in the right direction for you all. Congradulations on the new house and on Katy’s progress. Will keep you and the family in my prayers, and hope that all continues to go well for you.
Al and Katy, you continue to be my heroes. Each week I wait for more good news about your progress, Katy, and the progress your entire family makes in working out your new life together. So happy about your house and your legs and arms. May the Force be with you!
Great news all around (well except for those government people). Hang in there, Al. I just having a feeling you are the perfect man to take them on, however wish that wasn’t necessary. It is so wonderful to hear all the good things going on with your family. Keep up the progress Katy..
God Bless you all!
How wonderful!!! A new house; that is great news. And legs for Katy too, yes you are blessed. I can imagine how freeing this is for Katy. She & you are on your way. I spoke with Lucille on Tuesday and she did tell me you had moved.
As far as the paperwork is concerned, I am so sorry that there is a “monkey wrench” in this process. I guess that is our system – some people don’t care and the quality of employees is not what it was. I know, I have experienced that too from the employee side. I pray that this will all be ironed out and will move smoothly from now on.
JUst so happy about the good news; Katy you are on your way, God has great things planned for you. And I will add, “YOU GO GIRL!”.
Hugs & LOve being sent your way.
Yay on all the good news and new accomplishments! Boo on the SSA headaches.
Sorry about your Social Security problems. I would definitely enclose a cover letter and LIST every single item that is enclosed in the envelope.
Also, stand in line at the post office and send the envelope certified mail. This means that whoever receives it must sign a receipt. Fill out a green postcard (available at the post office counter) with your name and address on one side and info on the reverse as to where it’s being sent.
It will take several dollars to get that kind of service, but I feel it’s worth it.
I’ve gone through this trying to manage my mom’s affairs.
Hi Yall. We have been dealing with Charles’ ER visits and medicines and procedures. He has been charged for an Xray he never had, $14,000 for one of the procedures, was given expensive testing that was not ordered, has had his salary cut in half, had a car accident his first day back at work, and had to retain a lawyer to referee two insurance companys demanding and threatening and so we understanding your administrative hassels. Lisa got the lead in the school play, Laurie is loving her job but we visist often to keep up to date on her, Lisa is trying out to MC and be in the talent show. We hope yall come.
Al and Katy–
I am so happy to read this wonderful news. I made a cup for Katy that I am hoping she can use without assitance or prosthetics. When things settle down I need to get your new address. It is all boxed up and ready to go.
not surprised to hear how fast she is healing. It has to be a direct result of all the love and healing attention you have given her.
Take care!
I’m so happy for you, Katy and your family! A new home that will fit your needs is wonderful. I have followered your story and I’m so glad that things are falling into place for your family. Please post some new pictures as Katy feels better. I follow your blog and can’t wait to hear about her first steps. She has been an inspiration for all of us.
God bless you and yours,
Love Carla
We are so happy for you all. Thanks for the update,,,it brightens my week just hearing about all the progress. Sending Lots of love and energy for moving, ugghh:) Hopefully this will be the last move for a very long time!:)
Love,
Laura
Glad to hear from you. I am encouraged that Katy continues to heal better than expected. Wow to standing up- and Arielle crawling all over the place- she’s a healthy bundle of energy! Rachel heads to Seattle from Santa Fe on Saturday to sail on the Lady Washington and Dillon starts at a new school on Tuesday. Lots of new experiences ahead for all of us.
Blessings,
Susan
Mike and I saw the report last night on the Dallas tv news. So glad they are still keeping your story in the public eye. Katy looks great and so do you Al….can’t believe how big Arielle is getting….amazing! Hugs and prayer still coming your way. Much love…
Al, I know a very nice lady, Elaine Hermsen, who has worked at the SS Admin for 20 years; she is the Public Affairs Specialist. She WILL help you.
Her phone # is 281/442-0275 Ext 274. Her cell # is 832/265-4633 & her email is elaine.hermsen@ssa.gov.
Give her a call on her cell phone and tell her your situation.
Such great news on many fronts!!! Thanks for the updates Al!
Yay, Katy stood up! Katy, I’ve worked with a few new amputees, and I know it is not easy. But, you are soooo motivated….therapists love motivated patients. Keep trying and you will get better at it. You, Al, and family are always on my mind and in my prayers.
Dear Al, Katy & family,
Just to let you know that we all continue to think of you. I bet you guys are busy, no doubt. We are rootin’ for you.
With love,
Susan, Andy, Rachel & Dillon
Al and Katy:
Just checking on you’ll. Hope things are going really well and Katy that you are still moving forward and things are still going well. You are a very strong woman! I suffered a severe setback in my battle with lyme disease but things are going a little better. Love from McCalls in Keller, Texas
Al, Katy and family -
You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
– Sharon from Palm Coast, Florida
Just wanted to let you know that I am keeping up with you and Katy. Give her my love. I wish I could come down for a visit, but it will have to wait a while. I love you all and keep you in my heart and prayers. I am proud of my friend and how she had made doctors and friends stop and take notice. You are my hero Katy…love you…Jo