Education Grant To Help Brain Tumor Disabled Divorced Man Leave Disability

by Christopher
(Talladega, Alabama, USA)

I am a 38-year-old male. I have been divorced for nine years and have three wonderful children.

My family has been there for me during my hard times and my good times. My family is all that I got and I appreciate all the things they have done for me in the past.

I joined the Navy right out of high school and served for two years.

I was diagnosed in July of 2006 with a brain tumor called a brainstem glioma. The doctor gave me six months to live and it has now been eight years.

I thank our God for healing me because he knew that I had three children to raise and I thank my doctor for knowing what to do.

Although I defeated the tumor, it left me with limited use of my right leg.

The cost of everything is going up and my disability pay isn't. It makes it hard for me to not be able to give my children some of the things they would love to have.

Fortunately the abundance of love we have for each other outweighs everything else. I just wish I could provide more for them. It makes me feel guilty not being able to do that for my kids.

I receive disability and I do work part-time. I have to work to make a little extra to help pay my bills. It is hard to save any money though.

Plus, being on disability you can only make one thousand dollars a month. If you go over that then they see that as being substantial.

I am trying to look for a grant that will help me go to school. I want to be able to get off of disability and get a better job. I'd like a job where I can afford a better life for my children and myself.

I need a grant that I do not have to pay back. If I could I would but I do not have a crystal ball and look into the future. Only God knows where this will take me.

I just pray that I can receive some kind of help and make my children smile a little more.

If I were to start up a business, it would probably be a restaurant. The projected sales I do not know what it would be to be honest. And I wouldn't know the cost, either.

All I can say is that is what I have dreamed of doing my entire life, serving others with a smile.

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Education Grant To Help Brain Tumor Disabled Divorced Man Leave Disability

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Nov 15, 2011
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Restaurant business
by: Ken

Hi Christopher,

The government doesn't want you to get ahead that's for sure. Anything I make over $500/month they subtract dollar for dollar off disability. Copy and paste this address to your browser;

recovery.alabama.gov/education.aspx

As far as restaurants go, well, first of all 30% don't make it in the first year, and another 50% only last two after that. Don't be discouraged though. If your heart is really into it, you can make it. Just be very realistic about your goals, what kind of food you want to serve, what clients do you want to serve. Comfort food is always in demand, really basic, but well thought through menus, simple, but tasty. Utilize lower cuts of meats and cook them properly, short ribs, meatloaf, cutlets, good sauces. You must watch food costs. It doesn't matter if you want to serve expensive steaks with expensive ingredients or spaghetti and meatballs. It is the waste that will kill you. Small but good menus are the best, maybe just 8 items, so they don't have to be frozen, make sure you can use one product for at least two menu ideas. If it's fresh, clean and good, you may have a chance. Frozen foods can be bought at the stores, and deep fried at home. Why order them at a restaurant. I am a Red Seal Chef. If you ever need advice, I am willing to send you some ideas that work.

Ken

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