There are many Democrats out there and they all have their opinions and they have a right to express them. But I am frustrated daily when I visit Daily Kos and see the constant complaining of "It's not enough" and "We wanted this or that". Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall there ever being a day in the 8 very long years that George Bush was president that he EVER did anything for us. But in 18 very short months President Obama has accomplished many things we never thought we would see. No, it's certainly not perfect. Could he have done more, pushed harder, and been stronger? Sure. But with a lot of hard work on our part and determination on his, President Obama has at least 2 and a half years and hopefully 6 and a half years to accomplish so much more. We need to show patience, understanding and gratitude in the meantime. Follow me over the fold to see the HUGE difference President Obama has made in my life.
2010 has been a really long, painful year for my family. In January I lost my job of 25 years. My company gave me a severance package that was laughable and 20 weeks unemployment. I have worked since I was 13 years old so not working has taken a toll on me both financially and emotionally. When my unemployment ran out my husband was working 1000 miles away and I was left with 3 children and no personal income. But the unemployment office encouraged me to keep filing each week on the off chance that my benefits would get extended. And lo and behold, President Obama, Congress and the Senate passed extended benefits coverage at the last moment and I began receiving my benefits again. The money is great and very helpful, but what helps most is knowing that I am helping my family by providing some small income. My son was diagnosed with diabetes when he was just 8 years old. We were thankful it was a treatable disease and that our insurance covered all his medical expenses. But then we started thinking about the future. We quickly realized our son would HAVE to attend college in order to stay on our insurance once he turned 18. Failing in school was not an option because how does an 18 year old get medical coverage on his own, especially with a pre-existing condition? It's not bad enough we have to prick his finger and give him shots 4 times a day. Now we were constantly discussing his grades and reminding him that he has to do great in school so that he can attend college and stay on our insurance policy. But then President Obama passed a new healthcare policy. And now my son can not be discriminated by insurance companies because he has diabetes. He can also stay on our insurance until he is 26 years old if he needs to. Do I want more from President Obama? Certainly. But every day I am thankful for the great things he has done so far and optimistic that he will continue to do more in the future. So today, from my son and I, I simply want to say "Thank you President Obama for helping my family."