Help for K's bestie Mia, her single mom, brothers

If you have ever said, "It must be so hard to...":

Be a single mom

Have a special needs child

Work an hourly job

Have 3 kids under 6 years old

Work as a caregiver...

The answer is YES. It IS hard.

This is a fundraiser for a family that carries ALL of these things: My son Kismet’s bestie, Mia, her solo mom (and his preschool teacher) Bessie “Ms Bessie” Secker, and two little brothers Jahlil and Mi’King (3 weeks!)

The main things that this family needs right now are a used car (Honda Fit or similar, low mileage), and financial support so Bessie can get her license (driving classes and licensing fees). Right now Bessie is leaning on her family for rides to work and trips to the doctor for infant Mi’King and special needs sweetie Jahlil. But mama needs something of her own.

To say Kismet loves Mia is an understatement. One of the most beautiful moments of toddler tenderness I’ve ever witnessed was four-year-old Kismet gently holding the neck of a superhero cape wide enough so it did not get tangled in Mia’s braids as he helped it over her head. As a constant object of loving body-slams from my high-energy son, this thoughtful care brought tears to my eyes. Mia calls Kismet “my Kismet” and unprompted started calling me “Auntie JenJen" which warmed my heart. Once K had fallen for Mia, it wasn’t long before we fell for the whole family.

Here's a taste of the two of them:

If you know me, you may know something of my own journey with single motherhood. At times, especially over the past 3 years, it has been really hard – and that’s with many of the privileges I have. So I can understand a little something of what Bessie is up against.

This is a beautiful family – Mia, 5 1/2 years old, math whiz and sparkly spirit; Jahlil, 17 months, life of the dance party despite all the doctoring he has endured in his short life; brand-new-to-the-planet baby Mi'King, still coming into focus. And "Ms Bessie," spunky and sweet and holding it all together.

We are a culture that doesn't support women, especially single moms. We undervalue caregivers, even those in intimate care of our own family members. But we can be the people who change that. We can be the ones who lean in rather than looking the other way.

Please give what you can. We offer you our gracious thanks.

When we hold up one person, one family with empathy and respect we hold up the world. Mia, Ms Bessie, Jahlil and Mi’King it is our privilege to hold you up the way you have also held us!

*(If you're wondering about the amount, 8 is the angel # for $$)