I’ve always tried to be strong for my family, but this past month and a half has tested me in ways I never imagined. After six years in recovery and five years of marriage, everything changed in an instant when my husband relapsed and was jailed. Overnight, I became a single mom to two boys, fighting to keep us safe and avoid homelessness. My two-year-old witnessed a traumatic event, and my older son has barely seen me because I’m working evenings just to keep us afloat. The stress is overwhelming, and I’m doing everything I can to protect my children and give them stability.

Financially, I’m in a deep hole. I don’t have close to my rent, and a big chunk of my money is going to babysitters so I can work. My toddler has been very sick for two weeks, so I keep missing shifts. On top of that, I recently had to spend a large amount on my vehicle after an accident, which has made things even harder. The money raised will go directly toward switching the electric to my name before it gets shut off, paying overdue bills, and covering rent. More than anything, it would give me a chance to slow down, breathe, and heal with my children.

Coming on here and asking for help is the last thing I wanted to do. I know I can do this on my own, but I want the rest of their childhood to be us 3. I want a chance to better myself instead of being stuck in fight or flight mode. My nervous system has never been so deregulated, and I’m scared to fail my kids. I love them more than I could ever explain, and I want to show them you can get knocked down and come back stronger. I just need a leg up, and once I get through this, I’ll find ways to give back to others.