Life has dealt me some heavy blows the past year and a half; starting with being laid off from the first job that paid me enough to survive into an unprecedentedly terrible job market. In December, my mom, who had been living with me, was diagnosed with cancer. While my current job does not pay well, it allowed me the flexibility to take care of my mom during her treatment. We stayed positive, but after a short battle, she passed away peacefully on Memorial Day.

My mom was an incredible, caring, loving woman who touched so many lives, but none more than mine. Life for her wasn’t easy raising a child while taking care of a mentally ill husband, but she kept us going, and made me feel stable and loved when things were not stable. I don’t know how I’m supposed to navigate life without her, but I owe it to her to thrive. On top of everything, I was very recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that, until it’s under control, makes it that much more difficult for me to find a new job.

With my mom gone, I’m left with a lot to do, and a lot of expenses. While I’m trying to allow myself time to grieve, I could desperately use some help so that I can quell the anxiety and stress that comes with now having to take on both halves of the living expenses until I find a new living situation. I know so many people are currently struggling. Even if you can’t donate, anything at all helps: words of encouragement, keeping me company, checking in on me, or any possible job leads in the office management/administrative field. Thank you, if you’ve read this entire sob story.