A Somewhat Stressful Monday in Orlando

Monday, November 10, 2025, Orlando, Florida

Hi, everyone.

It’s Monday afternoon here in Central Florida, and I’ll be honest—it’s been a bit of a nerve-wracking day. Earlier, I had to complete a mandatory phone interview with Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) to qualify for SNAP benefits—what most folks still call “food stamps.” I don’t often write about my disability or financial situation, not because I’m ashamed, but because I’d rather be known for my writing, my stories, and the emotional truths I try to share. Still, the reality is that I do need public assistance to get by, and today was one of those days when that reality came sharply into focus.

The interview had a 5 p.m. deadline, and I spent a good chunk of my day navigating the labyrinth of automated menus, dropped calls, and long hold times. I’m 62 now, and while I’ve gotten better at handling bureaucratic hurdles, phone calls—especially high-stakes ones—are still tough. My hearing isn’t great, and when the outcome determines whether I’ll be able to buy groceries next month, the pressure is real.

Eventually, after four tries, I reached a DCF representative and answered the usual battery of questions: citizenship status, criminal record, monthly Social Security income, gambling habits, and so on. I’ve been through this process before—in Florida, and briefly in New Hampshire—so I’m cautiously optimistic that I’ll be approved for at least $150 a month in SNAP benefits. That’s what I received before I left Florida in late 2023. It’s less than the $250 I got while living in Madison, but I’ve learned how to stretch every dollar.

I’ve calmed down a bit since the call ended, but I’m still waiting to hear from ACX about the status of my two audiobooks—Reunion: A Story and Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen. Both are in the quality assurance review phase, and the silence is making me a little tense. I know these things take time, but when you’ve poured your heart into something, the waiting can feel endless.

Why I’m Sharing This

I don’t share these personal details to elicit pity. I share them because they’re part of the truth behind the stories I write. And they’re part of why I hope readers will not only read my books but also spread the word. If I “make it big”—or even just “make it sustainable”—I won’t need to apply for SNAP or navigate the maze of public assistance programs. I’ll be able to focus on writing, creating, and connecting with readers without the constant undercurrent of financial anxiety.

So if you’ve read Reunion: A Story, Comings and Goings, or Reunion: Coda, thank you. If you’ve left a review, shared a link, or told a friend—thank you even more. And if you haven’t yet met Jim Garraty and the world I’ve built around him, I hope you’ll consider diving in. Every purchase, every review, every recommendation helps me move a little closer to stability—and a lot closer to continuing the work I love.

Thanks for walking this road with me.