When love is not enough...

One beautiful summer day, around four years ago, a nine year old little boy named Dylan showed up in my backyard, joyfully playing with my kids. Being the same age as my oldest, he fit right in. Dylan was such a sweetheart. He was the peacemaker and always trying to please. Over the next two years he would become a part of our family. We moved him in and loved him as one of our own. He was our fourth son. We loved helping him to find his way and watching him flourish in school, band, and in Boy Scouts.

Dylan’s mom, Amber, wasn’t well. She battled mental illness and struggled to be a single parent to Dylan and his older sister, Lexy. Through years of persisting, Amber’s sister Leaha, and her husband Corey Smith, were able to gain custody of them. The children moved first to Texas and then to Arizona, as Army families do. While it broke our hearts to see him leave, it was equally heartwarming to know that Dylan would be loved by family in a stable home with his sister and his two adorable cousins.

Amber’s struggles have come to an end and she is now at peace. The children are now faced with returning home to say goodbye to their mother, and Leaha to bid farewell to her only sibling. Despite the distance and troubles of the past, the children have always loved their mother, as children do and should.

There are few things that can help lessen the pain in situations such as this. The family has asked for prayers for their strength, courage, peace and recovery. I ask that if you have the ability to make a monetary donation, please do. The unexpected death leaves the family to pay for funeral expenses, in addition to the last minute travel expenses for Corey, Leaha, Lexy, Dylan, Lily and Cylus to come from Arizona. For the past two years, the children have been fully supported by their aunt and uncle, with no additional funding. While they are cared for with love, it also costs money. We cannot take away the pain, but we can help reduce some of the worry during this difficult time and in the future by providing some financial security.

Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Please be one of those who comes together to show these kids that they are supported and surrounded by love. They will need to know that despite the tragedies they have endured, there is a community of people who will always come together to help them through.

Any monies received will go directly to Corey and Leaha to lessen the encumbrance of funeral costs, travel expenses, and finally to provide for the childrens’ futures. Thank you for any support you can provide.

Sincerely,

Mindy
Information regarding the death of Amber Neivel