I've never

had to think about not being able to financally provide for myself until now. My back surgery was successfully performed on May 16th. My doctors were great and my mom came up to provide some at home nursing care. My husband was working out of town at the time so my mom and I were able to spend some great quality time together. Thus far I've been able to receive disability from my employer, however, at my follow up doctor's appointment I found out that in addition to the month I've already been unable to work, I will not be released to work for at least another two months. While I am happy to have a doctor who wants to make sure I have the recovery time I need, I am concerned about having a job to return to when all is said and done. Can I get fired for needing to take disability? Can they stop paying my disability? How much is COBRA insurance? Can I afford it? This is the first time in my life where I wouldn't be able to just go out to get any ole job to pay the bills until the "right" thing comes along. I have not ever been in a situation where I couldn't physically get up and go seek employment. It's given me some fresh insight into those who can't do for themselves. The real heros are those who are wheelchair bound who can't do for themselves, the blind folks who venture outside everyday into a world they can only see thorough sound and touch, the disabled who literally have to depend on others in every aspect of their lives. The thought of this overwhelmes me and has me counting my blessings over and over again.