some perspective

{thank you}

:: for all of your comforting words, in response to my last post, as well as during these past few months ::

Some perspective has been gained. While sitting in the car, on the I-5 freeway, the skies glowing orange and black {the fires came within a mile or two of our house and although we weren't under mandatory evacuation, we left because the smoke became unbearable}.

The prospect of having placenta previa and a slightly more complicated pregnancy isn't so scary on it's own...it carries a risk of being problematic, but may resolve in time...by being very careful + resting I can lower the risk...for this, I am very thankful. What makes it frightening is that we are so far from our friends + family, in a country that is familiar, but also very, very different. To say there are a lot of questions swirling around in our heads is an understatement. It is at these moments when we realize that we are not at home. The private health care system is foreign to us and putting a price on health|life is a concept I simply cannot get my head around. It is the reality of living in the US, but it is not our reality. Or maybe we just haven't accepted it yet. The idea that help is not just around the corner, but rather in another country or on the other side of the world is another scary reality that we're faced with. What if we were to go home, surrounded by loved ones, wrapping ourselves in the cocoon of all that is familiar? Is that the answer?

Today we received a letter. The official quote from the health insurance company :: $669/month to insure myself and littleone with the most basic coverage available, a deductible of $1500 and a copay of $30.00 per visit. Switching companies is complicated as we are not considered residents {we are 'temporary legal aliens'} and this quote is unaffordable for us. Perhaps this will be what determines everything.

While we have gained some perspective, there are still so many questions, so many unknowns that are out of our control, so many factors to be considered. Hoping there will be some clarity soon...until then, I am going to knit. And sew. With my feet up, of course.

:: my heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives, their homes in the devastation of these fires - a stark reminder of the power of nature {wildfires} and of man {arson}::

Comments

[loriz]

I'm so glad to hear that you and your loved one(s) are safe up there! I thought of you with the fires in your area. Some of our friends where evacuate due to the Magic Fire. But they too are home now.

Good luck with the whole health care issue. I do not envy you. Hey, if you already have a work permit you could work at that coffee place (St@rbucks) for 20 hrs/wk and get full benefits...

[Jo]

thank-you for sharing. i just wanted to share a little of my story (if that's ok?)... we too were living far from home when our first son was born, 9 weeks early. after having family fly for hours to be with us, only to go home again a week later, and after our son spent the first 2 months of his life in hospital... we decided to come home. to be surrounded by the warm hearts and loving arms of our family and long-standing friends.

it is truly the best decision that we have ever made, and now we have two littlies (a 1yo & a 2yo) that experience the great joy of spending regular time with thier Nannas, Aunties & Uncles.

i know that every situation is different, and what was right for us won't be right for everyone, but trust that you will reach the right decision for you and your family. take care.

[Kuky]

Wow a mile or two? That's very scary. My sister in law is in San Diego but at a safer distance away.

And it's terrible that we don't have health coverage in this country for everyone. It's just criminal. And to think about the awful destructive ways this country spends money...

And do what is right for you, for your spirit and physical self.

[Andrea M]

hey A...thinking of you and J, and wishing that we could help in some way, even though we're so far apart. OMG i can't believe the cost of medicare coverage. try to stay stress free.
Em was a placenta previa baby, and just to complicate things more tranverse breach. I can understand your feeling of wanting to be closer to family, i certainly did - although it seems so long ago.

take care of yourselves!!
lotsa love Andrea & clan

[Rebecca]

Some difficult decisions - hope the knitting brings with it some answers for you all.