This act did not pass otherwise I would not be having my current troubles. Hopefully it will be reintroduced once again and pass this time. I’ve been working closely with my contact at my Congressman Hakeem Jeffries office as well as my union DC 37. These last seven years have been a real struggle for me and Stephen and I’m hoping that soon we can stop struggling and start living. We are ready for a breakthrough.
Many of you will remember my previous post A Greater Love where I shared an article the New York Times did on my brother Stephen and me. (See Below Links) The article discussed my difficulties in getting time off from my job to care for Stephen who has Autism.
Last year I had applied for FMLA (Family Leave) and was denied. Since I am a Union Member (DC 37) I have been in close contact with my Union Reps to resolve this situation. On Monday September 28th there was a special union meeting where one of the DC 37 Counsel came to discuss our rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). During the question and answer period I shared my situation regarding my brother Stephen and later spoke to the Counsel privately. He advised me to go to court and apply for Legal Guardianship over Stephen. Guardianship would give me the same rights as a parent and my workplace would be forced to grant me FMLA.
I am now in the process of researching and seeking out a Guardianship lawyer. My union does not offer that. They only have Labor Lawyers but they have promised to put me in contact with a Guardianship Lawyer. Thank God for DC 37 and Unions. Naturally I’m doing my own searches and asking around. Hopefully since I don’t make much money maybe someone will take my case pro bono or for a reduced fee. Just in case I’ve been doing lots and lots of overtime in order to pay legal expenses. Yes my feet, knees and back are killing me and I’m experiencing lots of physical pain but I would do anything, make any sacrifice, take any risk to be able to care for my brother in a proper manner. If you really Love someone you would give your life for them so their life could be better. This is why I have not posted recently and more or less put my poetry on the back burner. Stephen will always come first and I’m willing to put aside my wants, dreams and desires so that he can have a happy and fulfilling life.
So far Legal Aid, Brooklyn Bar Association and Brooklyn Legal Services have all been a dead end for me. None of them do Guardianship cases. Therefore I must appeal for donations. Please donate to help me obtain guardianship for Stephen and the right to FMLA via my PayPal account at deborah.palmer280@gmail.com
If you could have three wishes granted for you alone, what would they be?
Extended continual good health.
Financially free & Independent with all bills fully paid.
Unlimited time with my brother Stephen who has Autism.
What is the most incredible natural venue that you’ve ever seen in person?
The Grand Canyon. Incredible & Amazing!
Is your hair short (total neck and ear showing), medium (covering ears and neck), long (below shoulders) or extra long (at least halfway down your back)?
I currently wear my hair in a medium Afro which is getting longer but Afros tend to grow out and upward, however if my hair got long and heavy enough it would go past my shoulders. Gravity. The longest my hair has been was when I wore it in dred locs, then it went down past my butt. I could actually sit on my hair.
I’ve had people tell me I look like Whoopie Goldberg. I saw her in person and I do not look like her. One of my co-workers said my wild woolly mane makes me look like the singer Macy Gray. Now if only I had the money of all these Black women entertainers I’m supposed to resemble I’d be a very rich woman.
Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
I’m grateful that I got over my cold quickly and was able to continue with my walking/hiking exercises around New York City. I’m also very grateful to be on Vacation and to be able to visit other museums in New York and that on this upcoming Thursday I will see and spend time with my brother Stephen! Booyah!!
When was the last time a stranger did something particularly kind, generous, or selfless for you? Tell us what happened!
When the New York Times did an article on my brother Stephen who has Autism and me. We received an overwhelmingly positive response and several people actually sent donations to help us out. Some funds came via PayPal and some via the New York Times reporter who sent the check to my home. I was very touched and moved by their kindness. Lord knows I needed the money. Even though I work hours and hours of overtime living in an expensive city like New York can quickly and easily drain one’s finances. I’m still very grateful for all the monetary gifts. It has been a real struggle for me to make ends meet and do those little extras that my brother Stephen enjoys.
I also appreciate the opportunity to share my story with others who will spread the word and help get the Family Medical Leave Law changed to include siblings and be Paid time off. A couple of Saturdays ago I met with my Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and gave him a copy of the article. Exposure is the key to changing the laws to not only help me and Stephen but for all people with developmentally disabled siblings. Please support PAID Family Leave that includes siblings and if you are in New York city the Caregivers Bill currently before the City Council. Thank you and God Bless. http://nyti.ms/1BktTeP
If your day to day responsibilities were taken care of and you could throw yourself completely behind a cause, what would it be?
I am already an Autism Advocate for my brother Stephen. See link for New York Times article http://nyti.ms/1BktTeP
However if I was financially free, independently wealthy with no other pressing responsibilities like my 9-5 I would devote myself completely and totally to Autism Activism.
In 2013 my brother and I went up to Albany to protest harmful budget cuts for New York State developmentally disabled adults. See the following links:
I would also develop a photography arts program for intellectually challenged adults. My brother Stephen enjoys taking photos and I’m sure other adults with Autism also have a talent and gift for taking photos. All they need is an opportunity and a sponsor.
As I get closer to retirement expanding my support of people with developmental disabilities is high on my list of goals. Giving a voice to those who have no voice gives my life purpose and meaning.
Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit 