Two positive things!

We have progress here. Two really positive things came together today.

First of all, I was visiting a neighbor/ friend yesterday. She is an amazing person; an occupational therapist. Not just *any* OT, but *the one* who opened the scar clinic in Soroka 14 years ago. She is responsible for bringing to Soroka the treatment of silicone and pressure garments; the things that saved my life a year and a half ago. And she lives 6 houses down the street from me. We had spoken a few times last year before the conversation came up about my NF, and then she told me she is an OT, then I told her about my OT in Soroka, then she said that is her baby. Amazing, right?

Anyway, yesterday I I saw her in her garden and we were talking. She said "you know about the center for disabled and handicapped services, right?" Umm, no, I don't. She was shocked to hear that I was never directed to it before. Everyone who has disability should know about it. Well, nobody told *me!* So she explained where it is, and it turns out it is two buildings down the street from my sons' school!!! I have seen the building, but never knew what it was, never took the time to read the sign on it. So, I went there today. I met the woman who my neighbor directed me to, and it was so helpful. They have counselors to guide a person through the whole red-tape and paperwork for bituach leumi (nat'l health insurance). Counselors specifically of the sort I need and have been trying to find! It costs 100 shekels to join (about $25.00 US), and you also get a card that can get you many perks like not waiting in lines at many, many places, and discounts. So it was there today that I learned that I may well be eligible for a grant to buy a new car, tax free, with yearly insurance paid for. The woman said she'd walk me through the paperwork and the committee meeting, and hopefully it won't take too long.

There very well be Messiah coming soon.

Then, I made the call I was told to make on Tuesday after 12 noon, to the doctor who I am supposed to see for the consult, who was on vacation last week. His secretary told me last week to call today. So, I did. Again, I was told on the phone "there are no urgent appointments; not for you, not for anyone". Nice, eh? So I asked her if they have the letter my orthopedic oncologist sent there. "What letter? We have no letter from Prof. Bikels. We'd know if we did". Um, listen tootsie, give me your fax number and you'll see the letter I am referring to. She did, and I faxed it to her. She called me 10 minutes later and said I should come in tomorrow morning at 9AM for the consult. "...NO URGent appointments, not for you, not for an y o n e . . ."

See? It's not all gloom and doom. :-]