My brother and sister-in-law, Mateo and Regina, have been given guardianship of their three granddaughters, Cassandra (14), Genesis (5), and Rebecca (3).

On December 19, the day Mateo and Regina got married, they received an emergency call that the girls were taken and put into the system. They were then kept in government custody for over two months, without being allowed to see any of their family. This was shocking and out of the blue. We still do not understand why this happened, or why they were kept in isolation for so long. As you can imagine, this was very traumatizing for all, especially the girls.

Their mom is working to stabilize her situation, but the timing of that process is unknown. As of now, it looks like they will stay with Mateo and Regina long-term. This was an unexpected addition to their life, and the girls have a lot of immediate and ongoing needs.

Some of the unexpected costs have already included paying for a lawyer, trips to appointments to set up guardianship, moving costs, and doctor's visits.

They have had to move to a bigger house in Puerto Vallarta, buy basics like clothes, toiletries, beds, toys, school supplies, car seats, food, and kitchen needs, etc.

Now we are shifting to the ongoing needs: school, allergist appointments and treatments, counseling, and all the many things that raising three girls entails.

They are also mid-build of a home in Yelapa, where they hope to move permanently in the next year. Now they will need to add a floor to the simple one-bedroom, making it at least two rooms. This will allow them to be with more family and bring ongoing living costs down.

I have convinced them to allow me to put this out there and ask for help from our larger community. Any support helps and we appreciate even the smallest amount.

Let's help get these girls healed and thriving again.