I am the sole parent to three college kids (UF and FSU), 19, 21, and 22. I've raised them alone since they were 6, 5, and 3 and was able to do odd jobs and contract work so that they could do competitive sports, travel, 3 in braces, wisdom teeth, school trips, etc. But now I need help and I really hate to ask, especially being such a private person.

A few years ago, their dad (who was not in the kids' lives once he moved out 8 years prior) took his own life, which sent my oldest into a spiral, understandably. However, I ended up having to pay back Bright Futures for 2 semesters because his grades suffered and he never reached out to me or them until a year later, which was too late to do anything about it.

In addition to their college expenses, my daughter got injured last summer and had knee surgery and now needs further testing and a possible second surgery. She was struggling last semester among driving home for Dr. appointments and three days a week PT, and her grades suffered. She ended up dropping a class, which again, caused me to have to pay back Bright Futures.

And now, last week, my son just got into a scary electric scooter accident (don't get me started) but thankfully was wearing a helmet. Even so, ambulance ride (just found out $1200), ER trauma, tests, doctors, broken wrist, concussion, stitches, AND now a 'spot' was found on his lower back that needs to be investigated with an MRI and then possibly surgery.

I've been able to mostly keep up with all the expenses over the years, some with family help, but right now I am buried under these bills and do not see any way out. I've taken on two additional contract jobs and work seven days a week on other jobs (and still volunteer at a cat rescue), but those barely cover my regular bills. Last week, I cracked a CROWN on my tooth and it was irreparable and needed to have it pulled. Clearly, this stress is getting to me.

I truly hate asking for help, I really do. But I need something to bridge these massive additional costs at least for the short term. My son, once again, is feeling deflated and depressed and I am trying to take that burden off him. Knowing how his father died terrifies me about his mindset. My daughter, who is usually the optimist, has become very negative and that too, scares me.

I do not want them to see me panicking, which is exactly what I am doing.

Any amount I would be more than grateful.