Chapter 8: Carol’s Story

Eight years earlier, Carol’s husband had become seriously ill.

She had arrived at my office overwhelmed by medical bills and confusing insurance paperwork.

I remembered her trembling hands.

The thick folder she carried.

The exhaustion in her eyes.

Carol stepped to the microphone.

“I spoke with three different departments before someone sent me to Marlene.”

She smiled through tears.

“She stayed late. She made phone calls. She walked through every page with me line by line while I cried into the worst cup of coffee I’ve ever tasted.”

Laughter filled the room.

Then her voice cracked.

“Because of her help, I received benefits my family desperately needed. And because of her example, I eventually became an advocate for families facing the same challenges.”

She paused.

Then she looked directly at me. Continue Reading ⬇️