“Through the grace of God and Sacred Heart...”
Minor Memorial volunteers, Randy and Jimmy, put the finishing touches on Ms. B’s ramp. Five volunteers from the local church spent Saturday helping Ms. B get her mobility back.
“I am not used to all this,” Ms. B said, exasperated. “I am way too independent.” For this single mother, being confined to a wheelchair has been a huge adjustment.
Ms. B lost her lower leg and foot to diabetes a few months ago. Diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, her foot became infected and doctors had no other choice but to amputate. Coupled with her recent move from Arkansas to Mississippi, Ms. B’s life was turned upside down. This left the former restaurant waitress of 13 years having to figure out new ways of doing many things that we take for granted—like getting in and out of her rental home and taking care of her 10-year-old daughter.
Thankfully, Ms. B found Sacred Heart Southern Missions’ Volunteer Program. A kind neighbor brought her into our office and we began the process in order to build her a wheelchair ramp. Her landlord was most gracious. He agreed for the ramp to be installed without hesitation.
In addition to her physical problems, Ms. B was addressing issues pertaining to her move. Upon her arrival here in DeSoto County, she called the Mississippi Medicaid Office to change her address from Arkansas to Mississippi. She patiently waited several months, only to be told that her application was still pending, which created a serious financial problem. She received a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that Arkansas Medicaid was no longer paying her Part B Premium. Ms. B. would have to pay the premium starting in July. She would receive only $550 for July and from August forward, she would receive
Ole Miss volunteers, Elizabeth and Amber, unpack, sort and fold clothes for Ms. B and her daughter. “Dallas,” the family dog, approved of all their hard work and gave them a high-five!
If that were not enough, Ms. B had not received a utility bill since she arrived in Mississippi. She had paid her deposit, but received nothing in the mail from Entergy. She had inquired, but no one could identify the problem. That, coupled with her limited funds was a recipe for disaster. Ms. B knew this could only lead to her service being disconnected.
Sr. Janice Richards told her, “Don’t worry, I will help you!” After giving Ms. B a generous portion of food and a voucher for the mobile pantry to supplement her lack of income, she got to work.
Sr. Janice tried three times to get the Mississippi Medicaid liaison on the phone, to no avail. Later, Ms. B was notified that she would have to appear in person for an interview. Always the advocate, Sr. Janice was able to get in touch with the Medicaid office and explain Ms. B’s hardships and get the interview waived. With that, Ms. B received her approval of benefits. All would be corrected by September.
Mr. Lee and Kelly inspect Ms. B’s entry prior to ramp construction. She was using old holiday yard cut outs in order to get her wheelchair in and out of the house.
Ms. B’s lack of an Entergy bill was due to an address problem. The home had been mistakenly identified as Walls instead of Horn Lake. Problem corrected, Sr. Janice pledged to assist with the balance of her bill and one for the next month, when Ms. B’s finances would be better.
When I caught up with Ms. B, the wheelchair ramp was installed. Five volunteers from Minor Memorial Methodist Church had completed the ramp the Saturday before. Ms. B was absolutely elated. She told me she had spent every morning since it was finished in the front yard. Several volunteers from Ole Miss also spent an afternoon helping get Ms. B’s home arranged so that she could take care of everyday tasks with greater ease. The students worked in the kitchen, moving pots and pans, dishes and food to a more accessible height. They also sorted clothing and other items, putting them all within arm’s reach.
“I want to get back to all the things I used to do,” said Ms. B. “And I want to get back to church.”
Though Ms. B has a great deal of adjustment ahead, she said she is very blessed. She couldn’t find the words to express her gratitude, except to say that it was all possible “through the grace of God and Sacred Heart.”
