My name is Dolores, and this is the hardest chapter of my life. After almost twenty years of marriage, my husband has told me he has been unhappy for a long time and wants a divorce. Hearing that the man I stood by through college, the military, and his dreams is no longer in love with me has shattered my heart. I feel like the life I built, piece by piece, has suddenly fallen apart. I have always been the one holding everything together—supporting him, raising our three children, and rebuilding after our home burned down years ago. I was proud to be his biggest supporter and to pour myself into our family. I never imagined that after all the sacrifices, I would be starting over alone, feeling like I have nothing to show for the love and time I gave so freely. What hurts the most is knowing he stayed, went on dates with me, and was still intimate, while quietly feeling regret and unhappiness. I never wanted him to feel trapped or negative toward me. I still love my husband deeply; he will always be my person in my heart. And because I love him, I am giving him the divorce he wants. I only want him to be happy—even if that happiness no longer includes me.

Right now, I am grieving the loss of my marriage, our shared dreams, and the future I thought we were walking into together. I feel broken, but I am also determined. I refuse to let this be the end of my story. I am getting ready to take the state exam for nurse aide so I can be on the North Carolina state registry. And continue my education towards a bigger goal. This transition is overwhelming emotionally and financially. I am trying to support myself while studying, job hunting, and healing from the loss of my marriage all at once. Funds raised will help me with rent, utilities, and basic living expenses while I find stable work; costs related to my Nurse Aide state exam and fees to be listed on the NC registry; transportation and job-search expenses; college-related costs as I complete my prerequisites for nursing; and counseling or mental health support to help me cope with depression, grief, and trauma while I move forward.

I am asking for help to get through this painful but important turning point in my life. I want to stand on my own. I may feel shattered right now, but I am not giving up. I will rise from this with strength, compassion, and a new purpose. Thank you for believing in me.