The last few days have been pretty eventful, unfortunately not in a good way. Heather was let go from her job on Thursday. This, as you can imagine, has made things pretty stressful considering that Heather has been our family’s primary ”breadwinner” for the last year and a half or so. Making matters even worse is that Heather’s job supplied our family’s insurance which has been so incredibly important for Maddie’s well being.
When Heather was admitted to the hospital with premature rupture of the membranes a month before Maddie’s birth, it was this insurance that paid for her stay. Considering that Maddie was born eleven weeks premature, and that we were told many times in the days after her birth that she would likely die, this stay was likely a big reason Maddie survived. Every last minute the doctors and nurses were able to help Heather keep Maddie inside was crucial to her survival.
It was also this insurance that enabled Maddie to stay 68 days in the NICU where a whole other crew of amazing nurses and doctors worked their magic to help her get better.
Later, when Maddie was hospitaled for a couple long stretches with bronchialitis, this insurance paid for her time there.
It was also this insurance which has helped us shoulder the brunt of the cost of Maddie’s many medicines and doctor’s visits.
Now it is gone.
There are options, thankfully. There is Cobra insurance offered by the government in this type of sitution, and, despite being expensive, we will more than likely use it for Maddie. Another good thing is that for the last six weeks or so I have been doing copywriting work from home. The length of the copywriting gig is indefinite, nevertheless we’re hopeful it will continue for a good stretch as we try to figure out what we will do next.
One silver lining in all of this is that Heather will get to spend more time at home with Maddie. Heather’s maternity leave was used up when Maddie was in the NICU, so when Maddie finally came home Heather only had a few days with her before she had to go back to work. So, this will be the first time Heather will be able to spend longer than six consecutive days at home with Maddie. I look forward to seeing the two of them bond even more than they already have.
Looks like they already have started:
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Hopefully she got a nice package when they let her go. Enjoy the time with the family together it is precious. Just have to dedicate time to get another/better/fabulous job.
Hopefully she got a nice package when they let her go. Enjoy the time with the family together it is precious. Just have to dedicate time to get another/better/fabulous job.
pjs last blog post..Rx7, friends, that guy
Well crap! I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be sending so good vibes via the intertubes to your family.
Did you know that you can do COBRA only for Maddie? You all don’t have to sign up. Since each of you were on the insurance you are each separately eligible. I know that it isn’t the best option, since no one wants to be without health insurance, but it may help to get you by until one of you finds a job. Because this is due to a loss of a job you would all be eligible for 18 months. Sorry… I do this crap for a living.
ashleys last blog post..*zip, zip, zip, zip, zip*
Oh that is so frustrating! But your family’s resilience comes through in your silver lining outlook. I hope that you really do enjoy this time together as much as you can while dealing with the stress of unemployment. I know we’ve been there – and keeping a positive attitude is huge. Sending you all good luck!
I’m so sorry to hear that. Hopefully everything will work out for you soon. A little bonding will be a wonderful thing at least.
Jims last blog post..Sunday Randomness
That’s shitty news, but good that she’ll have some time with Maddie. I forget she’s such a wee thing until I see her with a full grown person.
jennis last blog post..Listless Mondays: Pet Peeves
Oh, wow. I’m so sorry about the job loss. That has to be tough. I don’t know what we’d do. Hopefully something will open up soon, and I’m glad you’ve got some work coming in to tide you over. I do love that picture of Heather and Maddie, though – so sweet. I wonder if Heather is going to want to find a new job after being at home with you two!
HeatherPrides last blog post..Prince Charming Dot Com
Damn this economy!!! I hope she finds a job quickly.
Jen Ws last blog post..The birds and the bees…Megan style
Boy. These are tough times. Sounds like y’all are hunkering down and figuring it out and you already know what’s important. Heather’s holding her in her arms.
What a beautiful family you have!
Hang in there.
Ms. Moons last blog post..No Thanks Necessary, Ms. Dooce
Praying for you guys!
Headless Moms last blog post..Are You Fireproof?
That’s sucks, save for the silver lining. Hope everything works out for you all.
Oh goodness. That’s crappy, crappy, crappy! I sure hope that something comes up soon, but it looks like you guys are making the most of it for the time being.
So sorry for your crappy luck right now. Besides her time with Maddie maybe something will come along soon to help you all out.
You forgot to mention that Heather will get to hang out with me more. Duh. That’s, like, totally the silver lining you’re missing.
Sorry about Heather’s job.
I am just gonna say it – that sucks big hairy balls.
Hope she finds something she wants to do soon and I hope she can enjoy this time with Maddie.
Jamies last blog post..I can’t seem to grow -
Wow, I can’t imagine the stress you guys must be under right now. It is times like this when nationalized healthcare doesn’t look too bad. Keep your chins up, there is a bright side to every challenge and, like you said, it looks like Heather being able to spend more time with Maddie is definitely one of them! I bet it will also be nice for YOU to get to see your wifey more often!
Rachels last blog post..Princess(es)
Sorry to hear about your family’s hard times. The insurance thing is a bugger and one of the reasons that I won’t come back to the U.S. until we get it sorted. Hoping for better days for y’all.
A Free Mans last blog post..Florida Hate Week in Photos
Change always sucks and you are right, at least you have Corba. Good luck and something will turn up.
Mommy will enjoy spending time with her!
carries last blog post..HASAY -End of Week 1 – Grim Reaper and a Chinese dragon
Goodness, I’m hearing of job losses all around. Terrible. I’m glad you’re able to see the silver lining in all this. Best of luck to your family in hard and frustrating times!
Kristins last blog post..Fly your flag.
Damn economy!!! Good luck and I’m sure Mom will be happy being around that cute blue eyed baby and bonding even more!
ShellyDs last blog post..Tall People
gabe lost his job when i was pregnant with Josh and emily was just over a year. and we had just bought a brand new house. it was devastating. but the time he got to spend with Emily and with Josh when he was born was completely priceless and made the 9 months he was out of work seem totally worth it now.
hugs, friend.
I really really really hope things work out. The Spohr’s seems like a super-awesome couple (family) and deserve good things. Good luck.
Joes last blog post..Semi-Wordless Thursday??