Sadness in Success

Easter was a quiet day this year. It wasn’t always liked that. Easters of the past were good family occasions. We decorated the Easter eggs, searched out candy-laden baskets and have memories of our treasure hunts on Easter morning.

Using about three-dozen plastic eggs a clue would be tucked inside each one leading each child down their personal path to their hidden treasure. The first clues were handed to them and each read differently. Words were geared for their age. They might have read something like this “It’s really not hard to find the number two clue; just go to a cold spot for an egg of blue” (which meant the freezer), or “A hidden pink egg holds clue number three, near an exit it’ll be, yet difficult to see,” A poet I am not.

By the afternoon we had invaded Grandma’s house. Every grandchild would be transformed as the boys had their hair combed and wore neat outfits; the girls in their frilly dresses, matching bonnets and lacy white socks inside a pair of patent leather shoes. They were picture perfect children! My sisters and I would quickly group the kids together to snap pictures as they anxiously waited to run outside to find the Easter eggs that our mom had hidden.

If we were lucky enough to grab the kids before they had a chance to run out of the house in search of those eggs, off came those adorable little outfits, replaced with old play clothes; and if the ground was still soaked from the melting snow, the shiny patent leather shoes were discarded for more practical wear like mud boots.

They went from looking like a prince and princess, to country bumpkin with mud on their knees within a matter of minutes. But, their sweet little faces glowed with excitement as they turned to show us the colored egg they found nestled at the base of the tree. Our precious angel coated in mud went to hunt down another egg for the basket.

I relished those were crazy days. Knowing full well that change would set in. Because as much as a parent enjoys the stage their child is in, we are always looking forward to the next step.

I cannot tell you what day it happened. It isn’t clear to any of us. Yet at some point I had passed on the responsibility of their life to them, ending their childhood, the final stage.

It is funny because this is what I had worked so hard to achieve, to have my kids independent and happy. I accomplished what I set out to do. I always thought I would be celebrating and danced up a storm.

It makes me laugh, because it makes me cry. Now I wonder if I did such a wonderful thing after all. As they formed their lives, I became an outsider looking in. I am a part of it, yet I am not.

Who would ever guessed that in sweet success there is a spot of sadness.
Although I have no regrets, the reality is; the happiest moments of my life are remembered with a tear-streaked face.

Susan Boyle's Chance

Given A Chance

If you have not had a chance to see or hear Susan Boyle sing, you must log into YouTube for the shock of your life. I believe this is a prime example of how you should not treat people that appear different than yourself for you never know what treasures are concealed inside of them. If given a chance, they will bloom.

Susan was a contestant that was met with ridicule and sneers when she walked onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. It was obvious she was being judged on her appearance, even though she was neat and clean with matching heels and a pretty satin sash around her waist. I am rather sure she most likely picked it out and felt pretty while wearing it and yet it did not measure up with the audience’s opinion of fashion. They laughed at her.

Then when she spoke, they looked down upon her as if she were a dimwit, thinking she could never ever come close to equaling the great singer like Elaine Page, who was Susan’s idol.

What a pity it was to witness the treatment she was receiving when all she wanted was to fulfill a dream in honor of her mother.

Simon Cowls questioned Susan as to why she had not sang before this (other than at churches and school), her replay was, “I was never given a chance before now.” I thought it is no wonder she never had a chance if that is how she had been treated for the past 47 years.

Then, Susan began to sing. Eyebrows went up. Jaws dropped. Eyes popped open. The audience stood and cheered. They were in awe.

Susan ended up being the gallant one leaving the audience and the judges to eat dirt. She humbled all that watched her that day.

Go online and watch the seven-minute clip from her tryout on the show, where Simon nearly melted with appreciation. He looked like a teenager in love.

Susan might be ordinary; she’s also extraordinary. Given that one chance and she bloomed.

Next time I hope you remember Susan when you go to judge someone. Give him or her a chance to release the treasures they hold inside. You might be surprised.

Originally published in the Palladium Times.

A single man can break your heart. And, not even care.

A greater man is sure to arrive. He will hold you dear.

Though the tears

Hope is clear

NY Health Insurance....or lack of it....

Thousands slip between the cracks once again, making it impossible to obtain affordable health insurance within New York State. Despite the efforts by Governor George E. Pataki in regards to promoting NY State’s health insurance system, there is a ‘gap’ in our current programs, which leaves many New York residents to suffer without recourse.

Many health care providers and residents implore Governor Pataki to take further action and amend the current standards set, which allows immigrants, prisoners, and even those waiting for deportation, health insurance coverage, yet leaves many residents helpless and distraught when medical attention cannot be sought for the lack of financing.

The fact that the medical profession dominates the top 15 highest paying jobs in America with only two of the 15 being non-medical occupations, clearly indicates our health care system is a business for profit.

It brings to mind a statement made by Tom Hanks in the movie, You’ve Got Mail, which fits the attitude of our medical society today, “It’s not personal. It’s business.” At who’s expense, is the question?

In New York State, there are three levels of public health assistance programs, Medicaid, Child Health Plus (for newborns up to age 19) or Family Health Plus (ages 19-64). In addition, Governor Pataki and the Legislature enacted legislation in 2000 that increased the availability of health insurance in New York with the Health Care Reform Act with the program entitled "Healthy NY"(http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/english/hnyoth.htm).

Medicaid is available for NY residents who cannot afford health insurance. It is also available, regardless of alien status. According to the Medicaid requirements an individual may be eligible if that person’s income did not exceed $692 per month and a resource limit of $4,150. (Pregnant women and children can have higher income levels and no resource limits.) You may own a home, a car, and personal property and still be eligible under this program. For more information on this program, contact Oswego County Department of Social Services at 315-963-5000 or your local Department of Social Services.

Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus are also public health insurance programs that are available to those with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid.

Child Health Plus is open to children under the age of 19. Depending on income, a family may be required to contribute toward the premium for coverage.

Family Health Plus (FHPlus) is available not only to residents of New York State but also opened to United States citizens or those who fall under one of many immigration categories. Non-citizens are eligible as citizenship and immigration status requirements are the same as those under the Medicaid Program. Immigrants in many categories, including lawfully admitted permanent residents (green card holders) and persons permanently residing in the United States under color of law (PRUCOL) are eligible if they meet all other FHPlus requirements. In addition, those otherwise eligible qualified aliens who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996 may also qualify for FHPlus benefits. For further clarification contact your local county department of social services. In Oswego County, contact Oswego County Opportunities at 315-598-9361 Ext.1 or Oswego County Department of Social Services at 315-963-5000.

An individual would be eligibility under the Family Health Plus Program, with an income limit up to $817 per month and a resource level up to $12,450.

Here lays the ‘gap’ for insurance coverage in NYS. If that individual has income of only $818, they would need to consider Healthy NY as an option for health insurance coverage. The majority of individuals discover that the premiums are beyond their capability.

The Healthy NY program differs from the other programs as it offers reduced cost insurance coverage for NYS residents. It is designed for small employers, 50 employees or less, to be able to offer their employees and dependents health insurance coverage at a lower cost. It is also available to eligible working uninsured individuals, including sole proprietors. There are no limits on resources to be eligible for this program.

Eligible individuals choose to become members in one of the Healthy NY participating insurance companies. Members are charged a monthly premium for coverage. In addition, covered services are subject to co-pays. Each company offers plans with or without the drug coverage. Currently, the four participating in Oswego County are Aetna Health, Inc, HealthNow New York, Inc., Excellus Health Plan, Inc., and MVP Health Plan, Inc.

The premium rates vary according to the county you live in and the plan you have chosen. The current rates for Oswego County, for an individual person, ranges between $199.98 up to $224.20 per month with the drug plan included.
This added expense can create a grave hardship for the person with an income of only $818 per month to pay even the lowest premium of $199.98, plus the required co-pays necessary to maintain health insurance. Everyday living expenses, such as rent/mortgage, heat, utilities, car insurance, gas and food would easily gobble up more than the small remaining income of $618.02.

The benefit, if you opt to think of it that way, might be that once you have paid the insurance company their share of your income, the reduced income remaining would most likely entitled you to welfare benefits for assistance with rent, food and HEAP, depending on your resource level. Contact your local Department of Social Services for further information.
Logic dictates that in the majority of the cases an individual, or family, with income in the low-end range set forth, could not afford the premiums required by participating insurance carriers under the Healthy NY program without seeking assistance for other needs to be met. Many are trapped in a cycle where the wish for independence is a distance dream.
Check out this website for further details on the availability of health insurances in NYS, http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/.