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The Daugherty's Story
Mary's Words

Our story is not an unusual story these days which is regretful. We are a disabled couple, homeless and struggling. I dislike the word
homeless. We live in a camper, happily, in the driveway of a friend. So let us say we are semi-homeless. We are luckier than some that have no roof,
no utilities or no friends. We still think we are quite blessed, but on with our story.

A few years ago my husband and I both had great jobs then illness struck both of us. We had succeeded through hard work and supporting each other.
Ray came into our marriage as soldier, after his service, became skilled in construction, building maintenance and as a local musician.
He used these skills and his music to help others with benefits and lending a hand where needed. He brought in the paycheck while allowing me to return to school
and graduate with Honors with a B.A. in Sociology from WKU and I took that and serve many years as a juvenile counselor locally. Later I would serve
as the Branch Head at the local library for many more years till sickness took our dreams.

Suddenly, my husband was loitering around at death’s door way too close, with two incidents of ruptured bowels, and dropping in weight to 95 lbs,
but doctors helped him find his way back and he is still fighting. He was eventually diagnosed with a rare blood disorder which promotes
blood clots in his organs. I was diagnosed shortly after with vascular dementia, after years of misdiagnoses.
The hits just kept coming. But we were/are fighters.

We are only surviving in this moment. However; We have a secure place in Elizabethtown Ky. at the home (driveway) of an old school friend.
We live in a camper with our dogs and we struggle but are surviving. Trying to save every dime to afford a place to call home but seems something
always needs fixing or medicals needs have to be met. It is hard when you count ever penny. It tugs daily at your heart and attacks the mind.
Giving up is not an option. Ray and I are celebrating forty years of marriage this September.
I do not want to even consider our story is over. Both my husband and I have still have a lot to offer each other and our community.
I invite you to share our story. It is not over.