Rant #3,780: Gone, Movin' On

Here is the surprise that I briefly mentioned at the end of last week ...

Ready--

Set--

Go--

My son finally found a new job!

Yes, he found a job, and like I have been saying for months, he found it pretty much on his own, without the help of all of the organizations, groups and agencies that were supposed to help him, but never did.

He is now employed by a major upscale grocery chain, and he has been on the job for just a few days now after going through orientation and days of waiting.

I went to my high school reunion only finding out a few days earlier that he had secured this job, but since that was the only reason I attended, it didn't hurt to pass around his resume and see if anyone could help.

These are tough times for everyone, but even tougher for special needs people, and it isn't the type of job that is important; it is that he is now employed, active, and doing something that he likes.

His monthly Social Security disability payments will be halted because he will be making too much money per month to retain them, and in the coming days, I will have to report his new job and wages to the local Social Security office.

I called them on Monday, and the person I spoke to told me all about what I had to do.

She, herself was disabled. She told me that she had cerebral palsy, and while her speech was a bit ragged, I understood her message loud and clear.

"Yes, he will lose his money each month, but the best thing is that he is working ... that is the most important thing," she said to me.

"It is better than sitting at home and doing nothing. He might be disabled, but he can work and earn a salary. That is better than getting money from the government."

And she is so right about this.

There is nothing better than having a job and earning your keep.

That woman knew through her own personal experience, and let me tell you, I know this from my own personal experience, too.

So the eight-month nightmare we, as a family, have gone through is over and done with.

Hopefully, my son will never have to go through this ever again.

His new employment removes a large burden off of our shoulders, and my wife and I hope that he now has a position he can build upon, now and in the future.

And yes, he is keeping, at least for now, his other job, his four-hours-a-week position, one that he also enjoys, but one where he was not treated very well.

We have told him that if it all becomes too much, he can leave that job at any time.

Just let us know, and it is done and over with.

Kudos to my son for sticking this out.

Finally, we can move on to other things.

And for those who pledged to help him, but dragged their feet, double-talked him, told him he couldn't do something due to his "limitations" or did nothing--

Shame on you. Shame on all of you.