It was raining that late January day as I chatted easily over spinach Benedict with the handsome snowy-haired gentleman I would soon discover to be the love of my life. Two days later, over a candlelight dinner Tim had lovingly prepared for our second date, we learned that our children had not only attended the same Christian camp the previous summer, but were baptized on the same beach and that Tim and I had been standing just yards apart, completely unaware that within months love would be in full bloom. We had both recently emerged from painful divorces. Tim was still healing from the sting of infidelity and me from abuse, but we found in each other a love we never knew existed. Our love would be bittersweet, however, as Tim had just been diagnosed with a heart condition and within six months I found myself caring for him round the clock until he left my loving arms a year and a half later.

My name is Pamela Dawn. I am a very proud woman and what I am about to ask of you is the result of three and a half years of unimaginable pain, a miracle of life nearly lost, and courage borne of faith and a newfound desire to survive.

Following Tim's death, I sank into a severe, disabling grief and nearly ended my life. Time was nonexistent, days were dark and filled with tears, I couldn’t eat or sleep. The world didn't exist beyond caring for my beloved pets. Loved ones disappeared and I found myself alone in a desperately emotional place. I began planning my death and with pills in hand, tears rolling down my cheeks, clinging to my dog Sam, I couldn’t bear the thought of him experiencing a loss similar to mine. Looking into his big brown eyes, so trusting and sweet, I put down the pills and made the decision to fight.

It took several months to turn the corner and embrace life, but I began cleaning up what was left. I had lost my home and everything I own. Now I must relocate to an area that I can afford, so I’m asking for help with moving expenses to get to another state. I desperately want to reconnect with the world, volunteer in animal rescue once again, and give my pups and kitties the lives they deserve because they are the reason I survived.

It has taken over three years for me to gather the courage to ask for help. Today I’m discovering love and friendships I never knew I had. Please help me move forward so that I may one day do the same for another. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may God bless you all!