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Kaanii Cleaver hasn't added a story.
So much is piling on, I hardly know where to start. I have been in red alert crisis mode for months, and am loathe to say any of this to anyone, but... you are seeing this Note because you asked.
One year ago this month, I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Between spring and winter, one doctor saved my life and another doctor broke my heart. By January, I was a physical and emotional shipwreck.
Very few of you knew. Those who did, thanks for hanging in there with me. Still working my way through it, and it's one hell of a ride. I am not out of the proverbial woods yet, and I may need a medical malpractice attorney
February storms took down my electrical power. (twice for days at a time) When it surged back on, my work computer was badly damaged. My printer fried. I am a writer who works from home, and these are tools of my trade. I missed a lot of assignments, and now in March, I am up a tree as tall as the redwoods that encircle my cabin.
The DMV is demanding that I obtain a legal name change. After 50 years using my own name, the Department of Homeland Security now insists that I legally change Constance to Kaanii. Until I do this, I cannot legally drive. I've been to the DMV five times trying to get this &^%$ together, and each time they required 'one more' document. They assure me the legal name change is the only hangup now. I am in the process of doing the name change. A friend helped me print legal forms and I spent an entire day at the courthouse last week.
The last step involves publishing a notice of name change in the local paper four times. When the clerk at the Napa Register told me the price --almost $300-- I did, as they say, plotz. I laughed and cried as I exited.
So, I cannot legally drive, and even if I could....
My funky old Bug is a bit too new to not need a smog check, and it won't pass. My Check Engine light is enough to fail the test, and my tags expire at the end of this month. The code indicates the problem involves too-lean fuel. The fix could be as simple as a couple of hoses, or it could be the catalytic converter. I am unable to pay for the diagnosis, much less the repair.
I went to the smog shop yesterday and did not have enough dough to pay the $75 fee. California offers a small amount of funds for car repairs every year, and they tell me they won't have new funds until July. My tags expire April 1. In order to apply for assistance for car repair to pass smog, I have to have a valid CA drivers license. See above.
My car runs but has plenty of issues. For now, it's worth it to me to just keep it legal until I can afford a better vehicle. At least I could keep up with my medical stuff and escape if there was a fire.
Without wheels, I can't get to medical appointments and without a license, I can't rent a car, fly to see my mom or much of anything else.
And there ya have it. So far, 45 has not taken away my health insurance, and for that I am grateful. My hospital bill and anesthesiologist are paid for. My cat and I are fed tonight. Surgeon is hounding me for thousands, but right now-- just getting my car and myself legal is all the help I am asking for. I'm working as well as I can on a spare computer and doing my best to save myself. There's simply nothing left to pay for these things that must be donepost haste.
I know these are harsh times for a lot of us and I'd never mention any of this were I not completely out of options.
If you can assist a bit, thank you.
Your friend Kaanii
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