Bereavement support after losing my brother Tom
Donation protected
One of the most important people in my life has died, even while I'm struggling to find work during this unprecedented financial and health crisis. I am reluctantly asking friends and loved ones for financial support while I weather these difficult times.
My brother Tom took his own life three weeks ago. He was a pivotal loved one in my life, though we have been estranged for the past few years.
Tom introduced me to my life long passion, roleplaying games. When our father died, I stood by him in speaking authentically about our dad's alcoholism. When it came time for me to come out of the closet, he was the first person I turned to. He responded with love and deep embrace.
He poured himself into being a mentor to the hundreds of theater students who entered his classroom over decades. At the same time, he struggled with depression and complex trauma.
I spent two of the last three weeks with his wife, family, and friends, providing what support I can while police investigated his disappearance. This week, they found and were able to identify his body.
He chose to end his life on a beautiful sandy beach, swimming into the ocean.
This news has come in the midst of the Covid pandemic and my own extended, thus far fruitless, search for a new position. Although I'm still hopeful that I'll find something soon, I would like to ask for your help as my savings and retirement funds begin to run dry.
To start, I am looking to supplement a month of fixed costs, including (but not limited to) rent, Cobra health insurance, cell phone, and therapy. If you are able to give even a little bit towards that goal, I would be so grateful.
I feel awkward asking this at a time when so many people are suffering from and protesting police brutality, especially in communities of color.If I am able to find and start a position while there are still funds remaining, I will donate any excess to organizations and bail relief funds for the Movement 4 Black Lives.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
My brother Tom took his own life three weeks ago. He was a pivotal loved one in my life, though we have been estranged for the past few years.
Tom introduced me to my life long passion, roleplaying games. When our father died, I stood by him in speaking authentically about our dad's alcoholism. When it came time for me to come out of the closet, he was the first person I turned to. He responded with love and deep embrace.
He poured himself into being a mentor to the hundreds of theater students who entered his classroom over decades. At the same time, he struggled with depression and complex trauma.
I spent two of the last three weeks with his wife, family, and friends, providing what support I can while police investigated his disappearance. This week, they found and were able to identify his body.
He chose to end his life on a beautiful sandy beach, swimming into the ocean.
This news has come in the midst of the Covid pandemic and my own extended, thus far fruitless, search for a new position. Although I'm still hopeful that I'll find something soon, I would like to ask for your help as my savings and retirement funds begin to run dry.
To start, I am looking to supplement a month of fixed costs, including (but not limited to) rent, Cobra health insurance, cell phone, and therapy. If you are able to give even a little bit towards that goal, I would be so grateful.
I feel awkward asking this at a time when so many people are suffering from and protesting police brutality, especially in communities of color.If I am able to find and start a position while there are still funds remaining, I will donate any excess to organizations and bail relief funds for the Movement 4 Black Lives.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Organizer
Bernie Schlotfeldt
Organizer
Oakland, CA