America Deserves A Raise

I’m Jeanie. I worked my entire career as a preschool teacher, believing that a good start in life is the foundation for a good education. I loved my job and hoped to keep on teaching until I retired. My Mom, Betty, has lived with me for years (I never married and have no children). We were happy together. Mom took care of the house and I worked. When I got a job as a preschool teacher for a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality childcare for low-income families, my dreams as a teacher had come true. I could bring about a real change in the lives of children who otherwise might not have a chance. Years went by and I saw, first hand, how quality childcare changes not only the child’s life, but the life of everyone in the child’s family. Then, Mom’s health began to fail. First, she had a mild stroke; then another, more severe, one. She was still able to care for herself though. Then, one day while I was at work, she fell while doing housework. She broke her pelvis and her hip. After surgery and a stay in rehab, she recovered and I was able to continue going to work every day; helping children and their families rise from poverty. Then Mom developed Alzheimer’s. She forgot the names of family, details about her own life and her health began a slow but steady decline. Another fall and a severe illness put her back in rehab for two months. I was told I would have to put her in a Nursing Home. She could no longer be left alone; it was simply too dangerous for her. I had to make a decision. I had always told her I would not put her in a nursing home. Would I keep that promise? The time that we both thought would never come was upon us. I decided to quit my job and stay at home with Mom. It was the hardest decisions I ever made; but it was also the best. She is so happy at home; she is comfortable, she can eat and sleep when she pleases and she knows she is loved and well cared for. For years, I have written lesson plans for teachers and had them published. Luckily, through those connections, I was able to get some work as a Free-lance writer and editor. Now I revise lesson plan books for preschool teachers, so I am still working in my career field while caring for Mom 24/7. It is a hard road, we are struggling, and some bills are going unpaid. We are barely making it; but we are making it! If we won this money, it would mean we would not have to worry for a couple of years and the end of my Mom’s life would be safe, secure, and comfortable. Please vote for the safety and security of one little old 82-year-old lady! Please vote for us!