Welfare Memories

I remember that anxious, nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach as I waited for my check to come in the mail at 2:00pm - so I could cash it at the bank by 3:00pm - to pay my electric bill by 4:00pm - so the lights wouldn't be shut off at 5:00pm.

I remember the ubiquitous smell - and taste - of Kraft macaroni and cheese with hot dogs.

I remember the secretary's haughty tone of voice when she informed me, "We don't deliver 'down there'.' when giving her my address for a fuel oil payment plan.

I remember the local housing authority taking our bathroom sink off the wall and back to their shop for a week to replace a faucet washer.

I remember welfare workers telling me " I didn't go to a school like that" and to "get a job - any job" when I told them I'd been accepted at a top women's college.

I remember fighting every step of the way for a better life for my children and me.

And I remember winning.  Never give up.  Never.

Brenda H. Stone-Riley, CWU GED Instructor

Comments

[Steve]

I know exactly what you mean. I grew up in a poor household where the refrigerator held mostly condiments and the electricty and phone were on one week and off the next. I remember being 8 years old and extremely embarrassed when my mother pulled out a pack of food stamps at the local supermarket because we couldn't afford groceries. I remember the government "block cheese" and all the crappy no name brand cerials. Basically what I'm saying is I know what you're going through and things can only get better. I honestly think my childhood being the way it was, made me strive for better things in life- It made me want to provide for my children everything that was not provided for me- Not to say I had a bad childhood because I still had people who loved and cared for me.

Keep your head up.

[Jane Titus]

Brenda:

I just read your blog today and am truly in awe of your strength and ability to stand against so many obstacles. You are an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of your life with all of us.

Jane

[Ruthie]

Brenda,
Thanks for sharing this painful piece of your history. This experience surely helped to make you the powerful and successful woman and teacher you are today.
I'm grateful to you!
Ruthie

[Lucy]

That was such a great post - thank you!!!

[Heather Carpenter]

You are an amazing woman. Please continue to grow, learn and share your success; to be an inspiration to others.

[Barbara]

Thanks for sharing this -- it's very powerful.