NOT ANOTHER CANDLELIT DINNER Get Creative This Valentine’s Day Roses, chocolate, and fancy restaurants are Valentine’s Day staples for a reason. They’re classic and timeless, but if you’ve done them year after year, they could also get a little bit boring. To wow your significant other this Feb. 14, think beyond the most famous ways to celebrate. They’ll probably appreciate a twist — and the time you spent making their day special.
How We Helped Dorothy Win Social Security Disability When Dorothy Villafranca found us, she had a serious problem: In just 16 months, she’d suffered 394 migraines. 394 MIGRAINES IN 16 MONTHS?!
CREATE A RELATIONSHIP SCRAPBOOK.
Nothing says “I love you” like a gift you’ve made with your own hands. By making a scrapbook of your favorite memories with your partner, you’ll also amaze them with your sensitivity and dedication. A scrapbook can consist of photographs, restaurant menus, movie tickets, wedding invitations, vacation souvenirs, and some carefully chosen words about why you value the relationship. Don’t be afraid to get inventive with your decorations or scour the internet for tips and tricks.
“It was bad, really bad,” Dorothy remembers. “Just when you think it’s easing up, an hour or two later — boom!”
The side effects of her medications didn’t help. Dorothy felt weak and had trouble walking. She didn’t even have the strength to hold a pen or pick up a clipboard. Unable to work, she took disability leave from the job she’d held for 32 years as a manager at the local H-E-B. The time didn’t help her heal like she’d hoped. Instead, the headaches and blood pressure spikes triggered two minor strokes. Eventually, Dorothy’s daughter, Lauren, convinced her that she needed to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) — and sent her to our team for help. When we heard how severe Dorothy’s illness was, the whole team (especially her case manager, Amanda) jumped into action and alleviated as much of her stress as we could. “They helped me all along the way with any upcoming appointments, possible meetings I might have, and scheduling with the doctors to get checked. They did their best to make sure I would qualify for SSD.” Dorothy says.
GO STARGAZING.
What’s more romantic than staring up at the stars? Your first step will be to find a local spot that’s dark and secluded enough for a good view of the nighttime sky. Once you do, your next course of action will depend on the weather. If it’s temperate, get a picnic blanket and enjoy the outdoors. If it’s cold, stay in the car, turn off the headlights, and snuggle up. Don’t forget to bring wine and a romantic snack. If all goes well, you might end up watching the sunrise.
SCHEDULE A COUPLES’ SPA DAY.
Forget what you think you know: Spa days are for everyone. Your other half will love the opportunity to experience a massage, sauna, and other assorted treatments. Plus, many spas offer romantic couples’ packages with champagne and chocolate- covered strawberries. Once you’re both sufficiently relaxed and looking your best, you’ll likely feel closer than ever. Some spas also offer overnight stays so you can transition seamlessly into a romantic evening. All of these ideas will take a little bit of planning, so it’s time to start dreaming up your big surprise. When you see their reaction, your only concern will be how to top yourself next year.
Dorothy was nervous about the legal process. She’d never applied for anything like SSD before, but Amanda was there for her to lean on.
“She was really good about calling and checking on me, and following up if I had questions, was nervous or unsure about things, or seemed a little out of sorts because of my illness and stressing out about the process,” Dorothy says.
Our hard work paid off! We secured the Social Security Disability benefits Dorothy needed.
“Right now, I am able to live a little bit comfortably with what I’m getting from Social Security Disability,” she says, adding, “The individuals that work at Packard are very caring, and that’s important to have if you’re putting your trust in someone.” If you know someone like Dorothy who needs help with a Social Security Disability case, please send them to our website or pass along our phone number. We’re here to help.
2 PACKARDFIRM.COM
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