I dont know what to do...

Well, most of you may or may not know that my dad has been ill for awhile. He's the whole reason I even live in Indiana. He's been steadily getting worse, and last night we had to take him by ambulence back to the VA, and he's now on life support. They've given him anywhere from now til maybe a week. If he lasts the week, yours truely is the lucky one who has to sign all the stuff for them to unplug him. Already had to okay them not restarting his heart if it stops. Dr thinks it would hurt him more than help, so I said okay. His plot isnt paid for.. nor a coffin... nor a vault... the only thing we knew was that there was a life insurance policy through teamsters for $15k for my brother and I. My brother called this morning and apparently when my dad had to retire due to his medical condition, he lost his life insurance. So now where we thought we'd have enough to take care of everything- there is nothing. Need to talk to someone at the VA to see if he has any sort of coverage through them at all, but it's vetran's day, and a saturday, so will prolly be tuesday before we can find anything out im sure. who knows if he'll even still be here by then. I have no idea how im supposed to get his body back to KC (where my mom is buried) let alone how ill possibly pay for that or any of that other stuff. I've only had about an hour and half of sleep and im headed back up to the hospital now. Any and all Prayers are appriciated.

Oh Darrah, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I think you are right about trying to talk with someone at the VA on Tuesday. Hopefully they will be able to give you some answers. Does your brother live anywhere near you so that he can help you through this? Take care of yourself, I know that is easier said than done right now. Try to get a little rest, some protein, and some fluids. You are in my prayers. Karen

Darrah I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know this is one of the hardest things any child has to go thru. I am sure the VA can help you out. I know since I am a vet that their are benefits that apply in this situation. I am not sure if they will transport him back to KC but they might. I do know that he can be buried in a Veterans Cementary and they provide the headstone, etc. You are in Ann and my prayers. God will see you thru this difficult time. Dan

my prayers are with you....i have no idea to the other stuff..maybe he has a few dollars tucked away...prayers for you as you go through this process

Darrah, I am so sorry to hear everything that you are going through right now. Please talk to the VA as I am sure they will be able to help somewhat. Please take care of yourself and the baby as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Dawn

Darrah, First off I am sorry. Second may God be with you and your family during this time of great need. Third, if you ask for a caseworker at the VA hospital, you will be assigned one. This person will help you and your family locate the available resources you are looking for. You are right that it may need to wait until Tuesday. I have been in a similar situation with a family friend, and the caseworker was very helpful, companionate, and direct. They knew what to do and how to help without making things worse. I am so worried about you and your health. Please take care of you. Know that we are all praying for you and your family. God bless, Carmen

Darrah, My heart goes out to you...My father is a veteran and goes to VA for care in Indy. I am so sorry that your father has no life insurance now...this is an additional worry for you and I know you want to give your father the best. I too live in Indy because I am the oldest and feel that I am my parents life support. My sister lives out of state and my brother is still here with his family. Please contact social services at the VA on Monday and tell them about your concerns. Often since they are a Veterans hospital they have contacts and information and hopefully help for you about your dad and how when the time comes you will have assitance in getting your dad back to his home to rest by your mom and if I am not mistaken some airlines will transport the body of a family member back home. Please understand that I am not wishing your father to pass on but I have heard this. I am going to search the internet and see what I can find out for you...my thoughts and heart are with you...Linda

Darrah...here is the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Contact number, 1-786-296-3976, plus I know that social services at the VA can help you with all your concerns...unfortunatly there are many men and women both veterans and not who have no life or health insurance and there are many agencies who care for just that...hang in there and let others help you....Linda

Soo sorry Darrah!! My dad is in the VA Nursing home in West Lafayette and will be buried there too. We had bought him a plot in Indy but he chose to say up there and be buried..when his time comes.. THE VA has so many different ways to help their vets.. I am sure you can get some assistance especially since he already has his own plot. Love and Prayers, Linda

Darrah, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad 2 years ago this past october and it is one of the roughest things I have ever gone through. I was a daddys girl. My dad was also at the VA hospital in Indy. He had life insurance so I really cannot tell you much about the help that you can get from them. I know the nurses and the doctors that my dad had were great people and very caring and did everything they could to keep him and us comfortable. You need to take care of yourself and the baby. You are in my thoughts and prayers and if you need to talk just e-mail me, but please do take care of yourself even though I know how hard that is to do at a time like this. Kylie