I have found that most of us (parents of kids with Duchenne) that network on Facebook and other sources, are positive and fantastic people. It is amazing that most of us can be so positive; after all, we are having to deal with some incredible pain and life changing situations dealing with a child with Duchenne. Although life can be very difficult, it is extremely important for parents of kids with Duchenne (and other illnesses) to take care of themselves as well. It is so easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing for your child and others, but, your child needs you healthy, in order to take care of them. I am referring to mental and physical health. I know we don't all have great health, however, it is very important to take care of yourself, as much as possible. I have found many ways over the last 3 years to take care of myself and my finances, most of which I've learned recently (as it took a long time to learn to deal with everything that comes with raising a child with Duchenne - much of which I choose to do to help Kelvin as much as possible).
- I surround myself with family and friends who care about me and listen to me and care about Kelvin.
- I network a lot, as many of us are there to help and support one another.
- I have found that organizations like the MDA, Make A Wish and A Kid Again, have provided us the opportunity to do things that we may not have been able to do otherwise. Spending time together as a family is more important that anything else in my life.
- I take vitamins and am watching my diet too (of course, I have had to watch Kelvin's diet and he is on a low sodium diet because of his steroids).
- I spend more time with friends and family, and am grateful for some better/closer friendships both online and locally
- I do regular checkups at my doctor.
- I take more big vacations (I call big vacations, 1 week or so away from home, in which I have a lot of time to enjoy my children-no work-all play). There is nothing like a smile on Kelvin's face! (and my daughter's too)
I have had to find ways to afford vacations too, as taking care of a child with Duchenne can be very expensive between co-pays, out of pocket hospital expenses, steroids (from England), supplements, healthier foods, visits to other destinations for doctor visits (hotels, food) etc. I start with my tax refund, however, I have found a lot of other ways to save money and to also be able to afford to do more with Kelvin. We are a family who never wants to look back and say that we wish that we had done that. Following is a list of places I use to save money and to do more.
- I buy the Entertainment Book, use LivingSocial.com, Restaurant.com, and Groupon.com. I use coupons as much as possible, including Coupons.com, Redplum.com. Those that know me, know how I am about sales, coupons, store clearances, etc.
- We are also a family who loves garage sales and thrift shops. It saves us tons of money on all sorts of items that we need/want. Garage sales are also my favorite thing to do for stress relief - get ready mom and family and friends, the season is near - I certainly hope the price of gas doesn't rise like they said it might
- To save money, we also buy from Ebay, Amazon, etc. as they often have great sales (like buy 2 get 1 free video games, etc.) and they also have items a lot cheaper than stores (well, for the most part, unless shipping is high).
- My bank has rewards for every dollar I spend on my debit card (if I use it as a credit card). I pay for everything with it and get lots of free gift cards per year (hundreds of dollars - I use them to help pay for Christmas, birthdays, special gifts, etc.). It is a very easy way to earn extra money.
- If you own a home, financing at low rates can help save money too
- Also, while grocery shopping, if I see an item that I normally use on sale much cheaper, then I buy multiple of that item
- On another note, my parents help us a lot, they are amazing and do whatever they can, whenever they can - we only live 4 miles from one another
Many of these things that I've listed to save money, aren't all done because I always have to, but, because I enjoy doing them and also it gives us that much more to be able to do things together, vacation and even donate to Duchenne organizations and other organizations as well. I am always willing to lend a hand/$ to anyone in need and hope that this will enable/encourage others to do the same. Doing for others is something that I enjoy, as I have found that it so important to make yourself happy first. It makes me so sad to see/hear negative folks, as I know that if we can be positive with what we've been dealt, than anyone can. LIFE SHOULD BE ALL ABOUT LIVING FOR TODAY! SHOULDN'T IT? Before my grandmother passed away (years ago), she told me that I shouldn't worry as much about the future (for when I'm old-if I make it there some day). She worried about it most of her life and saved money, instead of enjoying it. She had plenty of money when she died that she could have enjoyed things she wanted to do. She told me to go and enjoy life and have fun. I've never forgotten what she told me. I am still responsbile for planning for the future, but I'm much more worried about living in the here and now. Love one another, support one another, cherish one another, care for one another, provide to one another, respect one another, value one another, and always be there for one another. Bye, bye for now..........
