Stepping out of my comfort zone by doing this, but I need as much help as I can get right now. On October 5th, my parents were involved in a murder-suicide. Failing health, financial burdens, and bouts of

depression all contributed, but after 60 years of marriage, it was

still a huge shock. I'd moved away to a new state a couple years ago,

meaning I couldn't be as available to my family as I would have

preferred.

I am back in town trying to get things organized and honor my parents the best I can. Just a few days before their deaths, I also lost my job. Being away from home and out of work, this is an ongoing stress I am struggling to survive. Filing for unemployment has been an uphill battle and nothing moves quickly.

We keep discovering new debts and payments due, on top of the mounting burden of trying to fund funeral costs, headstones, and other arrangements. I feel terrible that I can't take care of these things

for two people that gave so much to everyone around them. Anyone that knows me would say I got my values from my parents. If a favor was requested or support was needed, I was there without question. I've never really felt worthy of help, but I think it's time to set my

pride aside and ask for the help I need.

Any type of help you can offer would make a huge difference. Sharing

some of your time or knowledge as I tackle this complicated situation

would be greatly appreciated. The legal and financial issues that need

to be handled at a time like this were left very disorganized. With

lots of accounts to close, paperwork to figure out, and an estate sale

to plan, I honestly need all the advice I can get.

Know that even if you didn't know my parents, if you had ever asked

for something, they would have done anything they could within their

means to help you. I hope you can offer the same in their memory.