On Friday, December 20th, my cousins learned of their mother's passing. It is never easy to lose someone, much less your mom, but it is also days to Christmas. Aunt Stephanie was declining in health, but still managing to live independently. Her passing was discovered when her youngest daughter went to tell her that her husband had passed, he was already hospitalized for declining health reasons. It is impossible to imagine the grief of finding your mom gone when you arrived to tell her that your dad had passed.

There isn't any single person in our family who is in a position to pay for her cremation. In addition, my cousins, Allison, Shannon, and Richard do not live in-state so travel and accommodation costs need to be covered while they clear out her apartment and handle the details. Christmas is a time for joy and there are grandchildren who need their holidays to stay as normal as possible.

We are all doing what we can to help. This is the way I can help--I can ask others to help. Please help me make this time less stressful for my cousins as they say good-bye to their mom, my favorite aunt, by donating what you can.