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Help Eric get his daughter back

Hey there, my name is Eric. For the last seven months I've been struggling quite a bit in my personal life.

Before I start, I feel like the title of this is misleading. I'm not looking to take my daughter away from her mom. I just want a fair amount of time with her.

Backstory:

In February my girlfriend of three and a half years left me and took our daughter with her. I've spent most of my life in a state of depression, and I've become bitter and spiteful because of that. She couldnt take it anymore and found someone new. I didn't handle the loss very well and attempted to take my own life.

I lost the right to have my daughter for a few months. Not legally, but I was asked to keep my distance and I listened. I began counseling, at first with an elder at a church I used to attend, but after a while I sought out a professional. I also took a grief recovery workshop to help me cope with the loss of my family. I've been doing a lot better, but there's still a long way to go.

That's the cliff notes version of the problem that leads to a bigger problem.

In May I lost the apartment we were living in because the cost became too much for one income to handle. I moved in with my brother to save money for a new home for my daughter and I, but the debt that I fell into because of what happened has had me playing catch up.

Since the end of May I've been allowed very limited time with my daughter. I would have her almost every day after daycare and she would stay with me two nights a week. At the time we were sharing a room. It's not cramped, but it's not ideal.

Recently I was served papers and told I would not be allowed anymore time, and had all my current time taken away. It's not legally binding as of yet, but I am trying to be respectful despite being upset at losing time with my daughter. My ex believes my mental state and my living situation is having a negative effect on my daughter's behavior.  Admittedly, I am still very sad for the loss of my family, but my mental state has improved greatly since seeking professional help. The time I spend with my daughter is spent watching movies she loves, playing dress up with princess dresses, and going out to parks and hunting for Pokémon together. I'm just trying to make good memories with her after a bad situation. Based on that, I can't understand why she has a behavioral problem at home. She throws fits as a two year old would, but other than that she's very well behaved with me.

With the upcoming court costs and the great need to have a place big enough for the both of us, I am in desperate need of some assistance. I'm not even sure how much I'll need when all is said and done, but if I can get the court fees settled I can get us into a new apartment myself.

I'm not a bad father. I've made mistakes but I've spent every day of the last seven months working towards fixing them. I am doing everything in my power to be there for my daughter the way she needs me to be, but I am struggling immensely. Any assistance provided will be very greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading.

Organizer

Eric Miller
Organizer
Spokane, WA

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