- M
Six months ago, I lost my beloved son Luke after his courageous 12.5-year battle with epilepsy. For all those years, I was not only his caregiver but also his best friend, nurse, coach, movie buddy, and cuddle companion. On May 13th, 2025, Luke passed away, and since then, life has been a daily challenge. I have filled out over 170 job applications, searching for full-time work, but so far, I have only secured a very part-time job as a Job Coach for differently abled adults. For 24 years, I have dedicated myself to caring for my children and others, and even in this season of great loss, I am trusting The Most High God for everything I need.
Unfortunately, as a live-in caregiver, when the person you care for passes away, you do not qualify for unemployment. I have not stopped applying for jobs in my city and surrounding areas, but without support, I am now at risk of losing my little home and all of my belongings—including precious items that belonged to Luke. While I know these are just material things, losing them would be another deep loss to process while I am still grieving. In 12 years, I only spent 30 days away from my Luke, and these past six months have been the hardest of my life. To add to the pain, my youngest daughter shipped out for the Navy just 11 days after we buried Luke, and I won’t see her for almost five years. My faith remains strong, but so does the pain of loss. I strive to honor Luke’s joyful spirit and continue helping others with the knowledge I gained as his caregiver, believing that this experience was not given to me to be wasted.
Any money raised will go toward helping me keep my apartment, pay bills, and afford food. I will have an accountability partner to help manage the funds, and if I am blessed with a job that covers my needs, any extra will be used to help someone else in need. I don’t have hobbies, I don’t travel, and I live simply—every dollar will be spent with wisdom. I know almost everyone is facing hardship right now, so asking for help is humbling. If you can donate, no amount is too small or too great. If you can’t, prayers are always appreciated. Please remember me in your prayers as you pray for others. Thank you so much for your support.
Unfortunately, as a live-in caregiver, when the person you care for passes away, you do not qualify for unemployment. I have not stopped applying for jobs in my city and surrounding areas, but without support, I am now at risk of losing my little home and all of my belongings—including precious items that belonged to Luke. While I know these are just material things, losing them would be another deep loss to process while I am still grieving. In 12 years, I only spent 30 days away from my Luke, and these past six months have been the hardest of my life. To add to the pain, my youngest daughter shipped out for the Navy just 11 days after we buried Luke, and I won’t see her for almost five years. My faith remains strong, but so does the pain of loss. I strive to honor Luke’s joyful spirit and continue helping others with the knowledge I gained as his caregiver, believing that this experience was not given to me to be wasted.
Any money raised will go toward helping me keep my apartment, pay bills, and afford food. I will have an accountability partner to help manage the funds, and if I am blessed with a job that covers my needs, any extra will be used to help someone else in need. I don’t have hobbies, I don’t travel, and I live simply—every dollar will be spent with wisdom. I know almost everyone is facing hardship right now, so asking for help is humbling. If you can donate, no amount is too small or too great. If you can’t, prayers are always appreciated. Please remember me in your prayers as you pray for others. Thank you so much for your support.