Well, the most interesting thing happened the other day: I got a letter from the Jobcentre saying I no longer needed to go to a Tribunal to have my appeal heard because they have revised their decision in my favour, and decided that my doctors are right - I am not ready to go back to work yet (you may remember a previous post about it here). This is one of the most wonderful things that's happened to me since my aneurysm!
It's a sad state of affairs that successive Governments have targeted sick and disabled people, and are trying to force people back into work who aren't ready for it. The resulting mess is that 75% of people claiming ESA are told they are fit for work, and a large proportion of those are appealing against the decision.... and WINNING. Much is made in the press of how many people are fraudulently claiming benefits, but a debt advisor from the Council told me that 11 times that many people are not claiming benefits they are legitimately entitled to! And don't get me started on how much is owed by tax evaders....
I won't get political on this blog: suffice to say I had a nice lump sum payment of the arrears that the DWP owed me (when you get put in the "limited capability for work" category your money goes up, but during the appeal it doesn't....) and one of the first things I wanted to do was treat Claire to a little outing. We haven't been anywhere or done anything since I came out of hospital (if you don't count going to the shopping centre!) and my wonderful daughter has not complained once. She has put her hand in her pocket and helped with the bills, and she has foregone outings and fun because of the situation we have found ourselves in.
That's how we found ourselves trecking over to Harrow to see "The King's Speech", an absolutely marvellous film with Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter about how King George VI (our present Queen's father) overcame his terrible stammer and managed to broadcast speeches on the "wireless". It is beautifully made and the casting is wonderful. I couldn't believe how perfect each actor/actress was in his/her role. The cinematography was superb, and the sets were a veritable feast for the eyes. Can you tell I loved it?
I was in no state to do any shopping, bar a minute or two of window shopping, and we made our way home just as the rush hour was beginning.
Once I got in I put a couple of things on ebay, and then when the boyf got in we had a quick dinner. Since the others have now gone to bed, I've spent a little while on my party invitation... do you like it?
It's tongue in cheek, but I sincerely intend to celebrate this second chance that I've been given.
Right, well, that's me done for the day. I hope you are having a happy, fun day where you are, too!
Lovely invite!!!
Posted by: liz d | 01/24/2011 at 11:12 PM
Just be glad you aren't in the U.S. I had 3 months of UNPAID leave and then had to get my exhausted self back to work. The first few months were BRUTAL, and even my normally wonderful boss really didn't understand why I wasn't able to attend meetings at 8 in the evening an hour away - he had no idea how hard it was to work all day. I remember melting down about that request, and feeling really lost - that "invisible disability" issue is very real. It does get better - next month it'll be four years for me, and my lingering issues are really minor and nothing I can't live with. LOVE the idea of an anniversary party!
Posted by: Catherine | 01/25/2011 at 12:16 AM
Oh Catherine - I thank the Lord every day that I'm in the UK and have the NHS and benefits to help me survive. It doesn't bear thinking about :( I'm glad you are doing better now though!
Posted by: Jen | 01/25/2011 at 12:37 AM
What brilliant news Jen, just such a PITA that you had to go through all that worry and struggle in the meantime.
Posted by: Suzanne | 01/25/2011 at 12:42 AM