A Father Asking for Help
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. For 10 years I worked in IT Technology Services at BNSF Railway. While I was away having major surgery, mass layoffs and a department shutdown eliminated my position. After a decade of loyalty, I do not qualify for unemployment benefits under the employee railroad program. With all my talent and skills, I cannot even get a job at Walmart or Lowe’s—not as a software engineer, not as a graphic designer, not even as floor help or an order picker. The current job system never lets a real human see my heart, my experience, or my education. My wife does what she can. I drive Uber, but after fees and expenses, it barely keeps the toilet paper coming. Some days you have to drive 12 hours just to make it work. We have a son with disabilities. The other day he asked me, “Dad, will we be homeless?” I told him, “Trust in God. He will answer.” No child should have to worry about that, I thought to myself as I answered him. We are not victims. We are a hardworking family caught in a storm we never saw coming. We are simply asking for help to keep our home. Our monthly payment is less than a small two-bedroom apartment, yet right now it feels impossible. We are prayerful. We are trying. We are applying everywhere. All we ask is for a chance—and for help getting through this moment. If you can give, share, or pray for us, we are deeply grateful. Your support means stability, safety, and peace for our son. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. For 10 years I worked in IT Technology Services at BNSF Railway. While I was away having major surgery, mass layoffs and a department shutdown eliminated my position. After a decade of loyalty, I do not qualify for unemployment benefits under the employee railroad program. With all my talent and skills, I cannot even get a job at Walmart or Lowe’s—not as a software engineer, not as a graphic designer, not even as floor help or an order picker. The current job system never lets a real human see my heart, my experience, or my education. My wife does what she can. I drive Uber, but after fees and expenses, it barely keeps the toilet paper coming. Some days you have to drive 12 hours just to make it work. We have a son with disabilities. The other day he asked me, “Dad, will we be homeless?” I told him, “Trust in God. He will answer.” No child should have to worry about that, I thought to myself as I answered him. We are not victims. We are a hardworking family caught in a storm we never saw coming. We are simply asking for help to keep our home. Our monthly payment is less than a small two-bedroom apartment, yet right now it feels impossible. We are prayerful. We are trying. We are applying everywhere. All we ask is for a chance—and for help getting through this moment. If you can give, share, or pray for us, we are deeply grateful. Your support means stability, safety, and peace for our son. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.