Funeral & Living Expenses for Widow
Donation protected
"There are truly no words to explain what its like to pick up your husband's wedding ring and have to rinse the blood off. I lost my best friend today. Just four days after Christmas, and we have four kids together. We are broken beyond words." -Serena Bunch
Two Die in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
My heart literally sank down into the depths of my body and I could feel it in my toes - and my stomach turned in distress when I came across that status post today made by my dear friend, Serena.
As it turns out, Damon was working hard, as he always did, as an HVAC repairman for Brewer's Heating and Cooling in Hohenwald, TN when he lost control at the wheel on the way to a service call. Tragically, he was not the only one involved, and the driver of the other vehicle and Damon both died when both vehicles sharply turned to avoid one another and ended up in a head-on collision in the westbound lane on US 412 in Perry County.
My concerns for Serena and her family include the intense grief that will be experienced by her and the children, in addition to grave concerns I have about her financial situation. The fact is that before Damon was killed in this tragic car accident, the family was already struggling to make ends meet and to keep up with payments on their new home that they were going to one day own via land contract.
The funeral expenses will likely fall between 5k-10k - but Serena is facing more than just the burial costs alone. The other 10k we are hoping to reach will be for her to support her family while she figures out what she will do for work, fulfil mounting bills, etc. He was the sole provider for their family, and she is also going to need assistance to keep her family afloat and able to stay in their quaint farmhouse they recently moved into. The sad reality is that if she does not have financial assistance as this event is still so fresh, her and the children could very easily end up on the streets. This is why we are hoping to raise more than just the final expenses if at all possible.
How does one breathe without air? Losing one of your closest loved ones is like having the wind knocked out of you, and your oxygen is taken away - yet you're forced to breathe. You've just lost your very lifeblood and one of your motives for living - yet you are expected to carry on as the world continues around you. And there you are. Gasping for air - but you just can't seem to catch your breath.
Four Children Lose Their Father in a Car Accident
During the entire 14 years they've been married, Damon has always been the sole provider for the family and Serena has been a stay-at-home mom that watched after the children. Due to the nature of his contract-work arrangements, Damon did not have any type of insurance or coverage that will help with the cost of funeral expenses and care. I spoke with Serena, and she has reached out to the county to inquire about assistance for the indigent - but she was informed that is not available where she lives in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Beyond this seemingly impossible task of coming up with the money for a funeral service, Serena is also going to have a long battle ahead of herself to become financially secure and figure out a way to make a living and care for the four children and provide for their needs, alone.
More than just a breadwinner for the family, Damon was a devoted father and absolutely adored by his children. Not all men have a natural bond and are quite as affectionate as he was with the kids. Every time I was around him, he was always loving on the kids and inventing cool activities for them to do. In fact, the youngest whose name is Eli, told Serena "I'm not called Eli anymore. Daddy always called me Micah - and I want to be called Micah from now on." Of course, she is honoring his request - bless his heart.
A Loving Marriage is Eternal - Even Beyond the Grave
I don't know about you, but tonight I am going to hug my loved ones a little longer, and practice being kinder as you never know when it could be the last time you talk to someone you love. Serena can at least cherish the fact that the last interaction she had with her husband was her giving him a kiss and seeing him off to work.
Always up for adventures, as a couple these two have moved all over the country together and were never scared or timid when it came to taking on new challenges.
Over the course of their marriage through the last 14 years, life has delivered its share of ups and downs - but their love and commitment to uphold their marriage vows they took before God - allowed them to tackle any struggle no matter what odds were against them and somehow overcome.
But now, that has all changed. Serena gave her husband a kiss goodbye that morning - completely unaware that would be the last kiss she would ever give him. Now, she must face these difficult day-to-day financial struggles alone - in addition, to somehow raise enough money for the funeral expenses. Most importantly, she needs to be able to provide for the needs of her beautiful children.
Help Make a Miracle Happen this Holiday Season
She needs our help. She needs a miracle. Truly, the most important thing she needs is for ongoing prayers sent her way as her and the children navigate the murky waters of grief.
Second to prayer, but absolutely essential - Serena and her children are in desperate need of financial assistance. Please make a donation today and help her to stay on their little farm, and avoid ending up out in the streets (as this is a very real possibility if she cannot raise enough money soon). Thank you and God bless.
Two Die in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
My heart literally sank down into the depths of my body and I could feel it in my toes - and my stomach turned in distress when I came across that status post today made by my dear friend, Serena.
As it turns out, Damon was working hard, as he always did, as an HVAC repairman for Brewer's Heating and Cooling in Hohenwald, TN when he lost control at the wheel on the way to a service call. Tragically, he was not the only one involved, and the driver of the other vehicle and Damon both died when both vehicles sharply turned to avoid one another and ended up in a head-on collision in the westbound lane on US 412 in Perry County.
My concerns for Serena and her family include the intense grief that will be experienced by her and the children, in addition to grave concerns I have about her financial situation. The fact is that before Damon was killed in this tragic car accident, the family was already struggling to make ends meet and to keep up with payments on their new home that they were going to one day own via land contract.
The funeral expenses will likely fall between 5k-10k - but Serena is facing more than just the burial costs alone. The other 10k we are hoping to reach will be for her to support her family while she figures out what she will do for work, fulfil mounting bills, etc. He was the sole provider for their family, and she is also going to need assistance to keep her family afloat and able to stay in their quaint farmhouse they recently moved into. The sad reality is that if she does not have financial assistance as this event is still so fresh, her and the children could very easily end up on the streets. This is why we are hoping to raise more than just the final expenses if at all possible.
How does one breathe without air? Losing one of your closest loved ones is like having the wind knocked out of you, and your oxygen is taken away - yet you're forced to breathe. You've just lost your very lifeblood and one of your motives for living - yet you are expected to carry on as the world continues around you. And there you are. Gasping for air - but you just can't seem to catch your breath.
Four Children Lose Their Father in a Car Accident
During the entire 14 years they've been married, Damon has always been the sole provider for the family and Serena has been a stay-at-home mom that watched after the children. Due to the nature of his contract-work arrangements, Damon did not have any type of insurance or coverage that will help with the cost of funeral expenses and care. I spoke with Serena, and she has reached out to the county to inquire about assistance for the indigent - but she was informed that is not available where she lives in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Beyond this seemingly impossible task of coming up with the money for a funeral service, Serena is also going to have a long battle ahead of herself to become financially secure and figure out a way to make a living and care for the four children and provide for their needs, alone.
More than just a breadwinner for the family, Damon was a devoted father and absolutely adored by his children. Not all men have a natural bond and are quite as affectionate as he was with the kids. Every time I was around him, he was always loving on the kids and inventing cool activities for them to do. In fact, the youngest whose name is Eli, told Serena "I'm not called Eli anymore. Daddy always called me Micah - and I want to be called Micah from now on." Of course, she is honoring his request - bless his heart.
A Loving Marriage is Eternal - Even Beyond the Grave
I don't know about you, but tonight I am going to hug my loved ones a little longer, and practice being kinder as you never know when it could be the last time you talk to someone you love. Serena can at least cherish the fact that the last interaction she had with her husband was her giving him a kiss and seeing him off to work.
Always up for adventures, as a couple these two have moved all over the country together and were never scared or timid when it came to taking on new challenges.
Over the course of their marriage through the last 14 years, life has delivered its share of ups and downs - but their love and commitment to uphold their marriage vows they took before God - allowed them to tackle any struggle no matter what odds were against them and somehow overcome.
But now, that has all changed. Serena gave her husband a kiss goodbye that morning - completely unaware that would be the last kiss she would ever give him. Now, she must face these difficult day-to-day financial struggles alone - in addition, to somehow raise enough money for the funeral expenses. Most importantly, she needs to be able to provide for the needs of her beautiful children.
Help Make a Miracle Happen this Holiday Season
She needs our help. She needs a miracle. Truly, the most important thing she needs is for ongoing prayers sent her way as her and the children navigate the murky waters of grief.
Second to prayer, but absolutely essential - Serena and her children are in desperate need of financial assistance. Please make a donation today and help her to stay on their little farm, and avoid ending up out in the streets (as this is a very real possibility if she cannot raise enough money soon). Thank you and God bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Miranda Booher
Organizer
Serena Bunch
Beneficiary
