I haven’t written for a few days. My mind has been far away. It turns out my sister-in-law has a grade III brain tumor, so on top of all of the complications from surgery she will have to undergo radiation and chemotherapy. Her cognitive abilities have been improving ever so slowly each day since the surgery. I pray for continually progress and ultimate cancer remission.
In 2005 I had my own medical scare, though it pales in comparison to my sister-in-law’s. Through that scare I learned that each day is not a given and that health is something one should never take for granted. After getting sick I immediately signed my husband up for a disability policy. When a medical crisis arises the last thing you want to worry about is money, but ultimately it is one of the first things to pop into your mind. After all, how will you pay for all of the hospital and doctor bills?
Your spouse will need to take time off of work to visit you in the hospital. If rehabilitation is necessary he/she will want to visit you there as well. The days turn into weeks and who will care for you when you get home? Can your spouse afford to cut back on hours?
I am well aware that 30 year olds should not have to face these issues, but the reality is that anyone at any age can face an accident or illness. Looking back on my own medical scare I realize I should have talked with my brother about insurance. As soon as I bought my husband a policy I should have asked my brother if he and his wife had one too.
I hope they have some safety net in place, because at a time like this the last thing you want to worry about is money.