Just found out that my uncle Bob, the only uncle I was ever close to, passed away this morning. I hadn't even known he was going downhill, though I knew he hadn't been doing well in the last couple of years since losing his wife.

This is...a bit of a shock, and I feel like crying but the tears don't seem to want to come. I haven't seen him since I was...fourteen or so, I think. But I talked to him on the phone several times in the last few years....

I can't even. He was 77. My dad is 72 and was the youngest of his brothers. The thought that I might be five years or less away from losing my father is...I can't even think about it.

I think I'm just going to stare into space for a little while.

On top of that, I got the official second denial of my disability claim today. Unless I can get the other $500 I need for my MRIs in the next 60 days, I won't be able to appeal, as I have to present "new evidence" in order to appeal at this point.

So, basically, the MRIs have to be done, AND the nerve damage has to be diagnosed in the next 60 days for me to present the evidence at a hearing. And if they deny me a third time I'm basically out of luck.

It's been a one-two punch today, and I feel helpless and sick. I can't even go to my uncle's funeral - it's in two days and my wife and I only have the money to make the trip to see my parents next month, and we've been saving for that for months (we're driving - it's cheaper than flying and we both have high blood pressure to the point that we aren't allowed to fly anyway).

If...I know it's a long shot, but if anyone can spare...anything, to help me save for the MRI, it's the only hope I have left now.

Paypal: Tigerwolf.2@gmail.com

Thank you all for...anything, even a kind word or a promotion of this post. I need a little hope today.