Hello friends,  I write to you today to appeal to your hopeful generosity this Christmas season, as I am in the most need I've ever been in in my life.  This past year for me has been filled with so many life changing events, none of which were made by choice, but all of which had a profound effect on who I am and the direction my life was going.  It began with my jaw surgery last December and a long recuperation, followed by the sudden and unexpected sale of the place I called home for three and a half years which forced me to use the money I had saved to relocate to a new home.  I extended the use of my second bedroom to a good friend who had just moved back to town and was looking for a room to rent,  but who, while caring for his sick mom was on limited funds, it wasn't an issue for me though because I have always tried to help anyone I could if I was able. However, within 90 days of  me moving and settling in, I was shocked and devastated by the loss of the full-time job of 15 years that I l adored, leaving me to face a future of self-doubt, uncertainty, and ever mounting debt. Thankfully I was and am still working at the restaurant but at only a fraction of what I had been making. I scour the job boards daily and have applied at countless companies ranging from fast food to retail, and from office work to factories. Making sure I applied only for jobs in which I have experience, and in many cases ABUNDANT experience, but  I've yet to land even an interview. This has wreaked havoc on my self-esteem to say the least.  Car maintenance is on hold indefinitely (tires & oil change are severely past due) choosing between having electricity and food or paying my car payment has placed me in an immediately dangerous position of not having transportation at all, and as of today, I'll barely have enough money to cover December rent (yes it is the 22nd), even after selling several possessions, with January rent approaching  way too quickly. I am without the means to give those I love anything this year, and  my usual holiday spirit is non-existent, so I am hoping for a Christmas/birthday miracle as I approach the eleventh hour.  I'm not usually one to express weakness and need, but desperate times have called for desperate measures. I'm hopeful that things will turn around for me, until they do, any support I receive in this effort to pay rent, car payments, utility bills, and groceries, by even the smallest amount will be humbly met with my unending gratitude.  I am blessed to have your friendships and I thank you all in advance.