I'm raising money for basic needs.

About me.

I've been living in the same house in Michigan for many years. Although it has often been a struggle to make ends meet, this is the first time I've been unable to make the pieces fit, and I'm scared I will lose my home.

My backstory.

My life's work has been caring for my son, and I would not have changed it for anything. Every decision I made was with his best interest in mind. Several months ago, the light and love of my life left this world too soon, and he took with him a piece of my heart. It has been the most devastating loss imaginable. I was his caregiver 24/7, for his entire life. My budget was based on my son's disability income and the stipend I received for being his caregiver (instead of placing him in the care of the state, which was never an option). Losing these payments meant losing the only income I had. As I began to search for employment, the pandemic hit. I was willing to go to work on the front lines as an essential worker. However, it turns out those jobs are not as readily available as it would seem, especially for someone my age. I recently enrolled in a program for employment support, but it's going to take time, and I don't have time when it comes to the balances owed for my utilities.

My goals, moving forward.

Honestly, I'm still figuring things out. I plan to get a job as quickly as possible and then maybe take a step back and look at longer range planning. Losing a child changes you. I could not even attend a grief support group because it was cancelled due to Covid-19. I have a lot of healing to do but I'm in a financial crisis. I will find my way through this somehow, but this is still pretty new and raw.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

My son's smile made me happy. Right now I'm taking it one day at a time.