My daughters and I lost our rock, our foundation, our protector, my husband and their dad, Benjamin, suddenly without warning. We are now left trying to find a way to keep going and stay together.
Ben suddenly went into cardiac arrest on Sunday, Aug 10th, and our oldest did everything she could to save him since she was the only one home. Unfortunately, Ben suffered a severe anoxic brain injury that prevented him from ever waking up. Our family had to make the worst decision in our life to give the best gifts to others and allow them to have the best life they could. Ben was able to be an organ donor and was able to give his heart, kidneys, and liver on Monday, Aug 18th.
Ben was the best person around; he put everyone first no matter what. He was the neighborhood "dad" to all the kids; he gave rides to and from the bus stops, gave advice, anything he could. He was also the handyman, lawn guy, life of the party everywhere he went. He would make everyone special drinks and be jamming old school music and just enjoyed life as long as I was there by his side. I know he loved me more than life itself, and we were supposed to grow old together.
Ben served in the Marine Corps and US Army Reserves. He was also in EMS and radiology. He would do anything for anyone. He was addicted to collecting Legos and VW bugs. He was a Band Dad and did anything he could with the girls' schools. He was always present for whatever and whenever we needed him. He was supposed to start school on Monday, Aug 18th, when he passed. We had so many plans and dreams that were about to begin.
Ben and I have been together 13 years, our daughters Ally (15) and Tinley (8). We never thought this would happen to us, and we were not prepared. Ben had no life insurance or anything to help offset expenses during this horrible time. The girls start school Monday, 25th, and I can't take off work to spend enough time with them during all of this. And if this nightmare isn't enough to go through, I now have to battle his daughter's biological mother, who has been deemed unfit to be a parent in court, to keep custody of Ally. So that's going to be another financial burden to get through, but I promised Ben and Ally I would fight till the end for her. I won't let her mom win!
We never think this could ever happen to us and thought we had time to live together forever and prepare for tragedies; we just never got to doing it. We took time for granted, and now we are left trying to figure out the next steps in life. I never thought I would have to ask, but any help would be amazing to make sure our family stays together and let me keep my promises to my husband.