Peter July 2024

I have not written about Peter in a while.  He has been doing really well for which I am grateful.  We have recently attended another Braves game and a Fourth of July event.  He has been fun to be with.  His roommate's situation seems to be okay.  He doesn't talk much about it.  I think they coexist without a lot of interaction. I am delighted to see how Peter keeps the apartment clean.  Peter and mom have lunch about once a week followed by a grocery store run.  Peter also goes to church with Mom on Sundays.  I am grateful for Mom doing this for him.  I know she is a significant person to him. Peter is taking his medicine and lets me know when he needs a refill. These are all good things

There are a couple of concerns that have prompted this post.  Peter appears to have lost his SSI benefits as he has not received any checks in the past two months.  Originally when he started working at Lowes they were giving him too many hours.  The guess is that this is what prompted the loss of benefits however no letters to this effect have come to the house.  He is going to the Social Security Office today with an ACT team member to see what they can find out.  Meanwhile, Lowes cut his hours (as he requested to keep his SSI benefits) and has been cutting them drastically.  Peter requested to work an evening unloading job which is three nights a week but it appears he is only being scheduled once a week.  The loss of SSI income and Lowes' pay has of course been discouraging to him.  His housing cost is dependent on his income so currently there is little concern about being kicked out of his apartment.  However, Peter has become quieter over the past few days which indicates he is concerned.  And his falling into depression is a concern for me.

Peter also needs the work otherwise he sits at home on his phone.  Peter has been gaining weight.  This is I am sure partly due to the medication and how it makes him hungry.  With fewer days of walking the two miles to and from work, he is getting less exercise.  I also have watched him shop and his food choices are easy-to-heat meals that are high in carbs and sugar and low in fruit and vegetables.  There is the concern of health risks with weight gain but even more the fear that this will trigger his going off his medication.

Just wanted to share the update as many have kindly asked.  I want to share that there is so much that I am grateful for.  He has come a LONG way since a year ago when he was living on the streets in Athens.  Yet I appreciate continued prayers for increased stability of work and income, positive relationships and a receptiveness to the healing work of Jesus.