Dropped OVR; Praising God I don't need them right now!

I worked with OVR since last October. About a month ago, I found out (AFTER having met w/ a caseworker many times, going through all of the processes for getting a power chair, and even had an OT come and evaluate my home for any home mods) I had to make a "donation" based upon last year's combined income.

What?! Somehow, when working with the first caseworker (had just begun working with a new one that had been assigned to me), I honestly do not remember learning about this. Won't go so far as denying I may have been told, but it really took me by surprise.

I was told that, after subtracting out certain amounts (ie: based upon how many dependents and some other predetermined amount), my "donation" amount was over $5,000! I had previously panicked over the idea that I may have to purchase a brand new vehicle for OVR to pay for vehicle modifications (when approved for the power chair).

My caseworker at that time told me to calm down; that I didn't HAVE to consent to a vehicle modification even if I got the power chair. I had called him in a panic and told him that, if I had the money for a brand new vehicle (or one w/ less than 100,000 miles and less than 6 years old), I could afford a downpayment on a ranch style house. We were still not even able to afford a downpayment on land, much less a house.

After spending several torturous days searching for any receipts (including making phone calls to dr. offices and the insurance companies) for money we spent out-of-pocket for anything related to my disability AFTER I filled out paperwork with OVR in October, I could only come up with a little over $500. I shouldn't have to feel bad that we have good insurance, right?!

After all that work, I sat down and thought...and prayed. It dawned upon me that I was doing remarkably well since my hospitalization in January; even doing better than I was in November (between flares). I thanked God (and still do) for this, and then I called to find out if there was a penalty for not continuing with OVR.

They were very nice about it, telling me that I certainly didn't have to pay any money if I stopped being a client. Right after doing that, I felt a HUGE burden fall off of my shoulders. I was suddenly a LOT LESS stressed out. I just told the Lord that I would need Him to keep me going and provide whatever I need whenever I need it.

So far, so good! I'm even going forward (with my loving hubby's ok) with preparing for a teaching job in the fall. I haven't signed a contract yet, but I've been told that I would certainly be considered for a position. I even went to a full day (a bit too much) of workshops yesterday.

To borrow a well-known phrase, I'm "moving forward!"