Finally getting an income

It's still sinking in.
On Thursday, I got a call that Mom is officially accepted into the state program so that I can begin getting paid as her caregiver. I will actually have an income, something I haven't had since January 2010. I still can't believe it.
When I talked to the social worker who shared the news with me, I couldn't stop crying. I am so thankful. All I can say is, "Praise the Lord!" And I will continually praise His Holy Name.
I can't quite comprehend what this means because I haven't had money for so long. Can I get groceries without counting every penny? Yes! Can I get Mom some new towels? Yes! Can I afford to buy Mom a new blouse and some new shoes? Yes! Can I take Mom out to lunch or an early dinner without it being a burger and fries? Yes! And can we have dessert afterwards? Yes! I can now afford to do so many things, like I said, it's still sinking in.
The stress of not having an income is almost gone from my mind and body. Thank You, Lord.
I will get paid for 84 hours a month at a little more than $10 an hour. Plus I am allowed 60 miles a month to also get paid for. I must complete some classes in the next four months that the state pays for and this program also allows another caregiver to still come and give Mom a shower and wash her hair.
I cannot be more thankful. And simply saying thank you to my God doesn't seem enough. He has blessed me so much. I know I must live my life to please Him.
I initially turned in the paperwork to the state in late March I think, so it has taken this long for the state to approve us. When they first contacted me, they said it might take until spring of next year to get us into the program, so I really wasn't thinking we would be accepted much before then.
But I wasn't really worried. I have been so careful with our money, or at least as careful as I can be. I just knew in my heart that we would be OK. I knew that God is caring for us. And He is.
I love my God. Praise His Holy Name! Oh, but don't stop praying for us. We still need all the prayers we can get!