Our mother, Emily, grew up very poor in the rural southern region of Alabama. At various stages in her life, she has experienced what could be considered abject poverty – as did my siblings. We were able to put ourselves through college and move on. However, my mother’s limiting beliefs of what she thought her life could be left her in an abusive marriage the last 30 years.

Four weeks ago she finally reached out to her children and said, this time, she really was ready to leave. And when I say leave, she literally left with only a purse in hand and the clothes she was wearing. All other personal belongings and family keepsakes were left behind.

After many up and downs in the last four weeks, she finally has a place she can call home in Orlando, Florida – a mere two blocks from my sister's  house. In that time, we’ve had to stretch our resources and buy everything she currently has (her income is limited to the $850 monthly stipend she gets from Social Security). Her current "income" doesn't even remotely cover her expenses to survive. 

If there were ever a time I would actually ask for HELP, this is it. I am asking for my mother who has suffered more than most could imagine and at age 73 is rebuilding her life “in a BIG city”.

My mother is a devout Christian and really loves Christmas.  Our friends have been sending cards and ornaments. We have already had some initial out pouring from our nearest and dearest to help rebuild her life with the big things but now we are looking at the day to day. 


One final note:
The other day, as our Mom was cautiously adjusting to her new surroundings, I gave her a reassuring hug and told her, “Mom, you are going to make so many new friends!"

In her syrupy, Southern accent she replied, "Oh, I know I will!”

I love her perseverance as well as this family’s warrior spirit.