FIFE LAKE -- Doris Morgan may have a lot on her plate, but she's buoyed by the "angels on my shoulders."
Morgan, 53, drives a bus for the Bay Area Transportation Authority and, like many other northern Michigan residents, feels the acute pinch of the state's economic woes.
She works full time, but at $12 per hour struggles to make a decent living. She's not complaining, though.
"If you have a job, you'd better be thankful because most people are moving out of state," she said.
Morgan has driven for BATA for three years. She moved to Michigan from Florida to be closer to her two children and four grandchildren. She's grateful for the job and close proximity to family, but that doesn't alleviate the economic burdens she faces daily.
Morgan does not have a set bus route, or category, that she drives on a daily basis, meaning she doesn't qualify for medical benefits through the public transportation agency.
She occasionally has turned down category runs and accompanying benefits so other drivers with families can get those routes, but it's a stressful choice.
"They tell me I don't have to worry about my job, but I do worry about my job," Morgan said. "I'm down on the totem pole."
Rising gas prices and the cost of food also weigh on Morgan's mind and pocketbook. Recently, she helped her daughter buy vegetables for her grandson's graduation party and spent nearly $100.
"I was glad I had the cash to do it, but everything costs $100, it seems like. A hundred dollars is like a penny these days," she said.
Gas prices are another daily concern. Morgan said it takes her about $60 to fill her gas tank, and she commutes about 10 miles from home in Buckley to the bus terminal. She considered moving closer to Traverse City, but housing here is more expensive than in outlying communities.
"Everything is more expensive up here," said Morgan, who was surprised to pay more for a smaller house in Michigan than her place in Florida.
She now lives in a trailer home, a "change of lifestyle" prompted by divorce.
"It's a nice trailer, but it's not a home. When you're used to something else, it's not the same," she said.
Morgan lives in the trailer with her older sister, who's disabled with spinal deterioration. She talked her sister into moving here from Arizona because she too was struggling and lived far from family.
Her sister is able to care for herself, but cannot work, forcing the women to rely heavily on Morgan's BATA salary. Her sister awaits approval for disability benefits.
Morgan doesn't seem to dwell on her challenges, though. She points to BATA riders and others in more trying situations and shrugs off any back-pats for taking in her sister.
"It's family. Everyone should take in family. That's just what you do," she said.
Morgan speaks highly of her adopted family at BATA. Drivers often pool their money for other drivers, or for their families who need help. Money sometimes is raised for the passengers they see daily.
"BATA people are like family. We try to help them out, whatever we can do," she said.
Morgan may be scuffling to make ends meet, but she approaches each day with an easygoing nature and quick smile.
"I have angels on my shoulders, I don't worry," Morgan said. "I've been blessed with everything."
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