Chapter 3 - The Money Started as Help, Not Profit
After guardianship became permanent, Gloria became Lizzy’s representative payee for Social Security survivor benefits.
The benefit was based on Megan’s earnings history.
Approximately:
$1,180 per month.
The state kinship guardianship assistance added:
about $760 per month
plus medical coverage and certain approved services.
Almost:
$1,940 monthly.
That sounds like:
a lot
until you raise a child.
Food.
Housing.
Utilities.
Clothing.
School supplies.
Childcare.
Transportation.
Medical needs.
Activities.
Savings where appropriate.
The money did not mean Gloria was getting rich.
At least:
not initially.
She had legitimate expenses.
She converted the smaller bedroom into:
Lizzy’s room.
Bought:
a bed,
dresser,
clothes,
car seat upgrade,
winter coat.
Signed her up for:
dance.
Paid for:
summer day camp.
She also reduced some of her own part-time consulting work because she needed to handle:
school pickup.
All reasonable.
When Gloria once complained:
“These checks don’t cover half of what kids cost,”
I agreed.
Probably true.
I sent:
extra money.
Birthday.
School clothes.
Christmas.
Sometimes $300.
Sometimes $500.
I never asked:
for receipts.
Why would I?
She was:
Mom.
That trust would matter later.
Not because relatives should audit one another.
Because I had begun using money as a substitute for:
being present.
May you like
A pattern I did not want to name.
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