In the dark

         “Well,” I sign looking over my checking account. I am looking for a meager twenty dollars. As each balance declines, I find that I only have three dollars to my name.



         I spent fifty dollars on my eldest daughter's birthday on November 13, one hundred on another daughter's birthday on November 23, and three hundred to feed the family and friends on Thanksgiving. November was truly a hardship on my government check.



         Being disabled created Christmas giving anxiety. Spending went out while income didn't. I spent at least two hundred on gifts on each of the five children. It filled me worried as I watched them open their gifts. Each child opened about thirty gifts. I made sure that it was a Merry Christmas regardless of the broken budget.



         “How can I pay the electric bill? I can't even find twenty dollars for school supplies.” I complained. As the last words come from my mouth, the house goes dark. I fall into the floor and burst into tears. I know that tomorrow is a day to find a charity to help me. I hope that I do not have to write a bad check or ask my family for the money. One hundred and twenty one dollars would be next to imposable with out someone's help.