On Christmas Eve, our lives were turned upside down.

My soulmate, Rachel, was involved in a serious head-on collision just minutes from home. She was on her way home to spend Christmas with her three small daughters, and myself.

At 7:40PM, Her phone alerted loved ones that a crash had been detected. At the time, we had no idea what had actually happened — only that we couldn’t reach her.

Later that night, I learned that Rachel had been severely injured and life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. She is currently in stable condition, but she suffered multiple fractures, serious injuries, and the traumatic loss of part of her finger. She is hospitalized, in pain, and facing a long road of recovery.

In the middle of all of this, I am caring for her three young daughters, our pets, and traveling back and forth between Pulaski, Columbia, and Nashville so I can be there for her while also keeping life together for the kids.

This is incredibly difficult to ask. But the reality is that gas, food, pet care, and basic living expenses are piling up quickly while everything else is on pause. Any donation — no matter the amount — will go directly toward travel costs, daily necessities, and helping us stay afloat while Rachel heals. Not to mention, our bills unfortunately don’t wait for better circumstances….

If you can’t donate, sharing this means just as much.

Thank you for the prayers, the support, and the kindness during a time we never imagined facing — especially on our first Christmas together.

With gratitude,

Reese Howell