A family's last hope

Countless people say it, “My dad is the best in the world”, however, I have won that contest. My dear old dad, a marine, a single father, the kindest, most selfless person I have ever met. He is both our mother and father. He raised us with more love than you could ever imagine, doing his best to keep us away from all the bad. My father skipped meals for us, he gave up everything for us. Everything. He taught me to be the woman I am today. He taught me how to do laundry, how to shave, and how to be a kind person. He raised two straight A students in a loving environment, always pushing us to achieve our dreams. With his support, I got into early college.

My dad has seen combat too many times. He has seen all the ugly of the world. He put his life on the line only to be shot down every time he asks for help of any kind. It's so hard to ask for help, but when knowing you’re not going to get it makes it even more challenging. 

For years he had to deal with a drug-addicted, physically, mentally, and verbally abusive wife. She even tried to kill him. After 2 years of court battles that ended up costing over $100,000, thanks to our attorney who was more than happy to take advantage of a disabled vet, we were free from the abuse but in trouble financially.

As a family we decided that we wanted to make a fresh start in Montana. After selling our house my dad was able to pay down some of our debt but still had $25,000 racked up on credit cards which is virtually impossible to pay down due to high interest rates. It would take 20 years, and more than 40,000 dollars, along with never buying anything for it to be paid off. Saying we live pay-check to pay-check is an understatement. We can't afford food, gas, or supplies and we could lose our house. 

Until this gets paid off our quality of life is substandard. We are living off expired donated meat. We went to everyone that could help, all saying they couldn't, but someone else could, until it made a full circle with no help given. It hurts to think about all the meals my dad skipped so we could go to bed full.

We have fought so long, my dad has fought so long. Sometimes I wonder if he will give up. We can't keep living like this, this is our last hope, and it’s not easy for us to do, but please, we need help. We just want a stable life.