Goodwin Family Relief Fund

Anyone who knows me knows that I am the last person to ask for help. I’ve always lived my life independently, but I can no longer have that mentality since becoming a mother. I intend to do anything possible to correct this financial hardship. We are grateful to anyone and everyone who listens to our story and donates what they can to help take care of legal fees and what’s left of my vehicle. My family is especially thankful to all of our kind neighbors, they have each been so helpful and supportive throughout this horrible situation. Though we’re experiencing a bit of darkness it’s comforting to know that we are surrounded by so much light. My family and I just moved to Tulsa Oklahoma from Iowa in late February 2023. We relocated in hopes to provide a stronger and more financially stable life for our 1 year old son. We had been struggling to keep up financially after many life changes, including being personally laid off which caused a drastic decline in our household income. My partner had a job offer here in Tulsa. We were excited for all of the new possibilities and happiness this move would bring our family. Unfortunately, on Monday morning June 5th, 2023 around 6am my partner noticed that my vehicle was missing from the driveway while leaving for work. He rushed back in to wake me, I immediately bolted to the front door and swung it open. My heart sank seeing that my car was no longer parked in the driveway. I was in complete disbelief and shock that this had happened to me. I always keep our porch light on through the night, especially since we had family in town. It makes me feel safer knowing that it isn’t super dark at night. Waking up the next morning and standing in the spot my car once was.. I felt completely violated. Based on the dent in the garage door and tire marks in our front lawn, the driver didn’t have enough space to get out (as my mothers car was parked directly in front of my vehicle). This person had to back into the garage and drive off the grass to get away. Which would mean they could easily see that my sons car seat was strapped in the backseat.. this person clearly wasn’t thinking that a child was involved in their cruel and selfish act. We immediately notified the police and had to play the waiting game. A little after 3pm I saw a post on the Tulsa Police Facebook page about a fatal collision, The image posted was a totaled SUV. It was devastating seeing the damage and hearing the news of all involved. While looking at the photo, I remembered that my necklace with my great uncles ashes who had just passed in early February was hanging from the rear view mirror. The only physical memory I had of him could be gone. I prayed this wasn’t my car. But not even 30 min later I received a call from an officer confirming it was in fact my vehicle. I had not been driving my car. To top it all off my insurance lapsed on June 1st, 2023. Upon moving here to Tulsa my insurance premium had drastically increased. As embarrassing as it is to say, we just didn’t have the payment this month. So on top of my car being stolen and wrecked just four days after the lapse, I am now forced to pay out of pocket for a few juveniles careless and irresponsible actions. These offenders violated my privacy, property, and family’s safety all for a joyride! They have destroyed so many lives in so many different ways. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and I will be praying that justice is served.