The hearing

Gosh, this has been some week!  Monday was the hearing for Martin's workers comp. It was a formal hearing, and Martin had to be sworn in. The hearing was to decide if the insurance company for Houston Community College had to finally (a year and a half later) be made to give Martin his worker's comp  benefits.  This has been such a mess, and so heart-rending, we have waited so long and the insurance company reps have been so ugly.  We won't know until May 10th if the judge found in our favor, but if she did, then we will have all of Martin's medications covered, his treatment and other expenses, in addition to reclaiming all the money (thousands) that we have spent for meds and co-pays since he got sick.
I think things went well in our favor, but you can never tell. Martin comes across as a  man of integrity, and it is apparent that he is not trying to scam anyone. We had all our records as well as a wonderful attorney, and since I have done all I can to follow the commandments and do the best I can to be honest, well, it is all in Heavenly Father's hands now.
I have to tell you of some of the incidents of the hearing.  For one, the two representatives from HCC actually FELL ASLEEP during the hearing!  When Martin was testifying, he was a bit distracted by the sight of those two women just nodding off and being completely unaware of what was going on.
When the hearing was over, the judge told us it would be within ten days to get a decision, and according to Texas law, if we wanted to appeal, we could. She then said, "I hope it doesn't come to that, I don't want to have to sit through another hearing watching you ladies. Perhaps I bored you, or maybe you thought I was speaking Greek!  One of the ladies stuttered, "Oh no, you were very clear!"
The insurance co. attorney tried his best to discredit Martin, tried to make him sound like a liar, a cheat and a scam artist, but he couldn't. Martin calmly answered each question and came across quite honestly and confidently.
Also, two months ago, the insurance attorney asked for a two month extension so that he could get an expert witness.  Another delay.  When we got to the hearing this time, he had no expert witness, and when questioned by the judge as to where the witness was, he started in on a long rendition as to why he changed his mind about having one, and several other excuses. The judge sharply said, "so you have no witness? After this long delay?" The attorney again went into a speech, and finally our attorney said, "Look, we don't care about your expert witness, Let's get going with this!"  It was apparent that he had used the excuse for an expert witness just to buy some more time.
There is so much more to tell you, but I'll write in later blogs.
I am not worried. After the hearing, for the first time in well over a year, I slept the night through with no anxiety. In every trial or challenge in life, you come to the point where you realize that you have done all you can do, and the outcome will be what it will be. If we lose this decision, well, then we will get to see what Heavenly Father will do to help us.
Martin has continued to go to work. He doesn't do much,  but he does help out the other instructors in the shop when they ask him for advice.  His supervisor continues to dodge him, and has spoken only once to him since a week ago Monday. We have heard no word from Human Resources. We are just waiting, but the trip back and forth to work, (40 miles each way) and having to stay there for the eight hours is really wearing on Martin.  He is noticecibly tired and his breathing is worse.  He will be able to start summer break in one week, and since we have made it through the year somehow, he will get summer pay. This means we will be safe at least until the middle of August. 
I insist that Martin spend the summer fishing, and taking it easy. I think being away from all this difficulty will help him so much.  I have to say that Heavenly Father  has certainly come through for us, we were supposed to get fired a year ago last January!  The co-pays and medications for Martin are really hard on us, but our food storage has been such a blessing. Not having to shop, and when I do only having to get a few things has been life saving.
We are so blessed, and I am thankful that I have been able to get through this situation so far. I love a challenge, but when you think you can face difficulties, you better be ready to do so.  I don't for even a second think that I can ever be off my guard, and I know that the future is uncertain. But, due to this experience, including Martin's heart scare, his respiratory illness, my stroke, loss of income and crushing responsibilities, I have learned that I can make it with Heavenly Father's care and guidence. Besides, the blessings are exponentially better than the trials are bad. I only have to look at Little  Joe and see his loving trust to know that he was sent here when we  needed him most. When I am in the presence of the other little ones, there sweet hearts, loving humor and unconditional love lift me up. Just being able to lay next to Martin each night, seeing him breath and knowing he is still alive is a miracle I thought would be denied to me last December. Having the rest of my family and friends near and available gives me a sense of comfort,knowing I am not alone and will always have help when I need it. Most of all, knowing that the Gospel is true and that life is eternal gives me peace. So, come what may, it will be allright.