STILL STANDING AFTER THE STORM

This isn’t a new story—this is the full story of my hardest year. From car trouble and a painful fall, to losing my father, to an accident that nearly totaled my new car, I’ve spent 2025 just trying to breathe again.

The year that changed everything

(Feb–Apr)

In February, my first car broke down completely. From February through the beginning of May. I paid for rental cars every single week just to get to work and take care of my family. It drained me—financially and emotionally.

In April, while at a dealership, I slipped and fell in the waiting area. It left me bruised, shaken and sore, and added stress on top of everything else.

A small lift, then new life (May)

In early May, I finally managed to buy a new car. It felt like a tiny bit of hope after months of being in survival mode.

Not long after, my heart found light again when my grandson was born.

Holding my grandson reminded me that even after so much pain and stress, life still gives me reasons to smile and keep believing.

The hardest goodbye (July)

In early July, my father passed away. He was always my ROCK. His quiet strength and steady love guided me through more than he ever realized. Losing him devastated me.

My father and me. Losing him was one of the hardest parts of 2025. He wouldn't want me to quit, so I'm not.

When everything fell apart again (September)

By September, I was trying to find my rhythm again—then another setback hit. My new car was badly damaged in an accident, nearly totaled. In the chaos of everything this year, my insurance had lapsed; I lost track of the exact payment date.

This was my car after the September accident—the same car I had worked so hard to buy. Parts have been hard to find and the repair estimate is $15,000–$20,000.

The people I keep going for

Through it all, my children keep me grounded.

My daughters my reason for staying strong through every setback.

My son—one of my greatest blessings and biggest motivations.

How you can help

I’m tired, and I’m asking for compassion. Please take five minutes of your time—to read, share, or lend a hand. Your support helps me cover repairs, the months of rentals, and the costs that piled up while I kept trying to stand after the storm. Thank you for seeing me and helping me breathe again.