Had a talk w/the preschool director...

Maddie&EthansMom wrote: Maddie was out of school on Monday and Weds. when I took her in this morning there was a note in her folder telling us that tuition was past due. I intended on paying it last week and had the check made out and in my pocket, but it left my mind after the V-Day party. I'm a hair brain lately. Tuition is due on the 1st of every month and lately we have been paying it on the 15th b/c it fits our budget more then. We have to pay a late fee of $10 if it is paid after the 10th. Our check in Jan bounced. I honestly don't know how it happened b/c I was so certain the money was in there when I wrote the check. So, we owed Jan and Feb tuition this month.

So, off I trot to the office with my check in hand and I explain to the director that we would be back on track next month; paying on time, etc. I told her about DH losing his job earlier in the year and thanked her for having patience with us while we get caught up on some bills. All the while I am crying b/c 1) I am hormonal 2) I don't feel well and 3) I am overwhelmed right now. She comes over and hugs me and told me that I should have come to her a long time ago that they do have a scholarship fund for those in need. I had no idea, besides I could have asked and I could have gone in there to discuss our situation, but I am too proud. Foolish pride!! I know we aren't the only ones, but I kept thinking things would get better for us a lot sooner than they really did. She handed me my check back and told me not to worry about Jan, Feb or the rest of the year's tuition. She also gave me a form to fill out for the scholarship fund for next year. Even though DH will be making more money, I think I will go ahead and fill it out and get the scholarship money for next year. That will help us get caught up on bills a lot faster. Do you think that is wrong? Her tuition next year is $210/mo!!

jen replied: That is great! I don't think that is wrong of you at all. I think that you are honest hard working people that pay your bills. You are not sitting waiting for a hand-out KWIM? I would take full advantage of this. Get caught up on your bills and savings and take advantage of it while you can. Sorry you had such a rough day, I totally understand about the hormonal stuff and the crying then 5 minutes later I look like this then this then and back to ..........It won't be long!!!

amynicole21 replied: Whoa! That is amazing!!! Where do I sign up? Wonder how she expects to run a business if she gives her services away for free, though. I wouldn't feel badly at all, though. Good for you

Maddie&EthansMom replied: DH just thought that it wasn't right if we had the money. I told him really we don't b/c we have so many medical bills now that need to be paid. The school knows about that, too. They insist on helping, and I guess I will just have to let go of some pride and let them.

Maddie&EthansMom replied:

The school is a christian preschool at a church here in town. We do several fund raisers a year and we do some that strictly go towards the scholarship fund (this I did not know). That is the only way they are able to assist. You do have to qualify for the program and not very many people are on it from what I understand.

jen replied:
My Dh would say the same thing. He has a lot of pride (so do I) but I would take advantage of it and not feel bad one bit. They have programs like this for a reason..............and I would so take advantage of it.

kimberley replied: i don't think that is wrong at all! these programs are set up to help those in need and if it helps you catch up on some bills, that is great!! you are not sitting at home on your butt collecting welfare, you are a hard working mom who is about to have another baby and deserve whatever breaks life brings you! i hope you feel better soon sweetie!

Beccas_mom replied: I am so glad that God gave you the help when you needed it. I don't think it is wrong for you to take it. You need it and that is all that matters!

A&A'smommy replied: WOW thats awesome i dont think its wrong i think its a wonderful thing and it will help you guys out!!!! You guys deserve a break!!! (((HUGS)))

MommyToAshley replied: That's great Amy. I don't think it is bad at all.... they have these programs for a reason. If you qualify, then I think it is great! And, what a relief... you won't have to worry about taking something away from Maddie in order to pay for hospital bills.

coasterqueen replied: I agree with everyone else! Take it! I have pride too, but there are times when we ALL need help so take it when it's given to you There really aren't too many times in life when we get it KWIM?

DansMom replied: Some day you will be in the position to help someone else out of a bad situation, and you will remember how much it meant when you really needed some assistance. It's good to experience what it's like to receive as well as to give---it's a blessing. You deserve a break, you really do, especially right now.