Saturday, August 2, 2008

Barbara has been in Olathe this weekend after having spent the last several days with Don in Nebraska. The Madonna team, Don and Barbara have been working hard to carry on Don’s progress. Besides mobility, speech and language continue to be points of significant focus. While Don is able to take in information, both spoken and written, his ability to respond as he would like is limited. Please pray for yet more miraculous intervention in this area.

While this journal of Don’s progress has not addressed the topic of finances to any great extent, some have asked about this vital matter. As you probably know, Don’s work at the University has been the family’s primary source of income and benefits for some time. Up until now, Don has been using heretofore unused vacation, sick leave, and personal time. It appears that within a few days that will be exhausted, and Don will be placed on 90 day short-term disability, which will run concurrently with FMLA benefits. During these 90 days Don and Barbara will have salary and benefits continued. However, at the end of these 90 days, long-term disability will begin, which means a reduction of 40% of salary. It also means that health benefits will only be continued to the extent Don and Barbara can pay the COBRA premiums. Most of us would find the challenge of reduced income and increased health premiums a source of anxiety. Don and Barbara are no exception!

This 90 day disability benefit would have already begun had it not been for the donation of five additional vacation days from one of Don’s fellow employees. (The University’s Director of Human Resources indicated the organization has a policy of not allowing solicitation of these types of vacation day donations, so we are not sure how others may be able to also donate any days, even if they wanted to.)

Don and Barbara are grateful that the health plan of the University has generously covered the considerable expenses related to this type of illness. They are also fortunate that Don had several unused days reserved which could now be tapped. However, as these resources are exhausted, and the future holds the likelihood of continued need for health care services, there is growing apprehension. Every avenue of income and benefit resource is being explored.

We all need to be praying that Don’s strength and capacity to communicate improves to the point he can return to his assignment. As one friend of the family has already noted, God obviously still has plans for Don. And we know from scripture that God’s plans are for a future of hope and purpose, not for harm.

God is still greater than the setbacks of life. (That is easier to write or read than it is to live!) Pray with us that HIS plan will be made clear in these areas of critical life need.