I’m reaching out with something deeply personal — and I’m doing so anonymously because, quite frankly, I’m ashamed and embarrassed to be in this position. We’ve done everything we can to hold things together, but now we’re asking for help during a moment we never thought we’d face.

My father-in-law is in the late stages of memory loss. It’s progressing quickly, and we’ve just been told that this may be the last opportunity for him to visit while his dad still remembers him.

My husband and his father have always been close, best friends. His mom left when he was a child, and his father is all he’s ever had. His dad is everything to him. Over the years, they’ve shared a dream of visiting every major league baseball stadium together. Now, we’re just hoping for one final visit — a chance to say goodbye while memories still remain.

We’re hoping to travel as a family from Arizona to Illinois for one final visit so my husband, our son, and I can spend a few days with his dad and say goodbye while there’s still time.

I was laid off in February and have been struggling to find work. My husband already had to cash out his PTO last month just to help us cover rent. Taking more time off now will mean unpaid days, and with everything so tight, we’re simply out of options.

We’re asking for $2,000 to cover:

I know there is so much going on in the world right now. Bigger crises. Bigger needs. This is our little world, and right now, it’s crumbling a little. I share this with humility and hope, knowing that even small kindnesses can make a life-changing difference.

This is more than a trip. It’s closure. It’s love. It’s a chance for a son to be remembered by his father, and for a grandson to know he got to say goodbye.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With love and gratitude,

N, B, and H