Help Steve and boys after losing Lyra

My brother, Steve, and my nephews, Nick and Joe, unexpectantly lost their wife/mom, Lyra, and are trying to figure out life without her. As a realtor, Steve doesn't have the benefit of taking paid time off while he grieves. Instead, he has to try to keep business going, while at the same time deal with everything that comes with losing the love of his life, be there to support his boys, and take care of their home and all of the daily life tasks that Lyra often managed. As Lyra was hospitalized for over two weeks before she passed, Steve will have substantial medical bills that won't be covered by their limited medical insurance and will have to be paid out of pocket. With Nick in college and Joe starting college this Fall, Steve and the boys have to re-evaluate how college will be paid for. To top it off, just a few months ago, Steve and Lyra made the switch to working for a different realty company, which resulted in them not having any life insurance during this time.

Through all of this, Steve keeps telling me that he and the boys are taking everything one day at a time and that they will be okay. He doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for them. But the truth is, words cannot describe the loss that Steve, Nick and Joe are experiencing, and it is heartbreaking to see them go through this. They have enough to deal with, so I hate to see them have to navigate so many financial concerns as well.

Lyra never wanted gifts. She never wanted to be the center of attention or for anyone to do anything for her. When she was pregnant with Nick, she didn't want a baby shower, as she insisted that second-hand baby items were just fine. Yet she always gave to others, donated her items to womens' shelters, fostered animals, adopted animals from rescue situations, and volunteered her time in the community, her boys' schools, and her church. Perhaps her legacy is not only her two amazing sons, but that we all can do more to help those around us.

Steve is just like Lyra in that regard and does not want to impose on anyone. No one can take away the pain that Steve, Nick, and Joe are experiencing, but I hope that those who know them or who knew Lyra will help lift some of the weight off of their shoulders as they try to move forward.