Congratulations, Frannie!!
I have a friend in Willits, CA who fought the system for four years before they granted her SSI benefits. They came very close to losing their house and were beginning bankruptcy procedures just about the time that the SSI was granted. Four years of back payments came in at once and saved their home but it was harrowing and made poor Christina even more ill than she would have been.
You are so damn lucky, girl!! Musta' been real good in a past life!
Jeannie
btw... I have a new phone number. I'll send you a PM.