Help Zoe, Zara & Dad Rebuild
Donation protected
First, I'd like to Thank Everyone for checking out my GoFundMe page. I'm reaching out humbly asking for assistance to secure 1st & Last Rent Deposit, Furniture and "Hit The Fan" money. I've been wrestling to write this for five months. It's truly awkward & difficult sending this, but I've swallowed my pride and reached deep in my heart to ask for help. Here's why....
The Beginning
Raising my 5 and 3 year old daughters has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I've been there every day, night (when I wasn't at work), sickness and surgery. Not to forget all of the fields trips, award ceremonies, ballet classes, doctor & dentist visits, and Parent Teacher Conferences. Never flinching and always jumping to action. I love being their nurturer, provider, scooter instructor, hair stylist, scary dream cuddle buddy, sibling negotiator, nail technician, educator, adventurer, chef, chauffeur, butler, garbage man, nurse, punching bag and playmate. I think I lost count of how many times I've fallen asleep reading Hair Love on their floor, only to hear, "Daddy, get up".
I watched them take their first breaths and steps. I was typically the only guy at the playground and storytime for years (the librarians knew their names). Wherever I went, they went. One riding on my shoulders and the other in my arms or strapped to my chest. They never met a stranger because they introduce themselves with their full names. My entire crew at Trader Joe's knows them
I took my eldest to school on her first day; held hands all the way to the car, held her hand down the hallway and into her first day of PreK3 (and the little one was a constant fixture in the classrooms too). I was blessed to do the same last year on the first day of class, which was also her Birthday!! And this year, I captained the Virtual Education ship when this school year began; flipping back and forth from one scholars needs to another. Trying my best to stay afloat like millions of other families in these times of Covid and insecurity. Their teachers noticed, because I've been nominated for a Leadership Award at their school. But I'm not doing it for shine, I'm doing it for them. My girls.
We were inseparable. Our mantra: "I'm Intelligent, I'm Brave, I'm Kind, I'm Beautiful & I'm Loved". I whisper it in their ears while they sleep sweetly.
The Interlude
Near the end of September, my entire world was flipped upside down. They went missing from me for over 48 hours. Then in a blink, I no longer lived with them and I was homeless. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle took me in.
This transition has been heartbreaking and challenging to say the least. However, our bond gets stronger with every moment we're together.
And Now
For the past two weeks, I've had to quarantine myself and the girls because they were exposed. They had no control over it. Ultimately, we all tested positive. I've done my absolute best to protect them from this and all other dangers, but this was not in my control. Fortunately, our health remains strong and symptoms are mild at worst.
We're Resilient Rufinos. Despite all that has happened, my eldest is excelling in reading (because of all of the early reading and advocacy I've done) and my youngest has developed a good eye with my camera. Like any parent, all I want is to give them the best and be at my best. Teach them what I know in lieu of giving them what object I never had. What I've learned is this, they're teaching me more than I could've ever dreamed of. To love completely unconditionally.
My goal was to move into a place by March 1st, but these AirBnBs and running around has hit me harder than anticipated. I knew in the beginning that I would need some financial help, but now, it's a necessity.
I'm hoping to reach my 5K Goal. Every and any cent donated is appreciated to the fullest. GoFundMe provides protection from scams, and believe me, this isn't one of those. I'll give updates on our progress and how things are going. If you like, you can CashApp me directly at: $JoseTheActor. Please leave your name so I can thank you directly.
So please, share, tell a friend, and Thank You for helping in this time of need.
Storytime
The Beginning
Raising my 5 and 3 year old daughters has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I've been there every day, night (when I wasn't at work), sickness and surgery. Not to forget all of the fields trips, award ceremonies, ballet classes, doctor & dentist visits, and Parent Teacher Conferences. Never flinching and always jumping to action. I love being their nurturer, provider, scooter instructor, hair stylist, scary dream cuddle buddy, sibling negotiator, nail technician, educator, adventurer, chef, chauffeur, butler, garbage man, nurse, punching bag and playmate. I think I lost count of how many times I've fallen asleep reading Hair Love on their floor, only to hear, "Daddy, get up".
I watched them take their first breaths and steps. I was typically the only guy at the playground and storytime for years (the librarians knew their names). Wherever I went, they went. One riding on my shoulders and the other in my arms or strapped to my chest. They never met a stranger because they introduce themselves with their full names. My entire crew at Trader Joe's knows them
I took my eldest to school on her first day; held hands all the way to the car, held her hand down the hallway and into her first day of PreK3 (and the little one was a constant fixture in the classrooms too). I was blessed to do the same last year on the first day of class, which was also her Birthday!! And this year, I captained the Virtual Education ship when this school year began; flipping back and forth from one scholars needs to another. Trying my best to stay afloat like millions of other families in these times of Covid and insecurity. Their teachers noticed, because I've been nominated for a Leadership Award at their school. But I'm not doing it for shine, I'm doing it for them. My girls.
We were inseparable. Our mantra: "I'm Intelligent, I'm Brave, I'm Kind, I'm Beautiful & I'm Loved". I whisper it in their ears while they sleep sweetly.
The Interlude
Near the end of September, my entire world was flipped upside down. They went missing from me for over 48 hours. Then in a blink, I no longer lived with them and I was homeless. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle took me in.
This transition has been heartbreaking and challenging to say the least. However, our bond gets stronger with every moment we're together.
And Now
For the past two weeks, I've had to quarantine myself and the girls because they were exposed. They had no control over it. Ultimately, we all tested positive. I've done my absolute best to protect them from this and all other dangers, but this was not in my control. Fortunately, our health remains strong and symptoms are mild at worst.
We're Resilient Rufinos. Despite all that has happened, my eldest is excelling in reading (because of all of the early reading and advocacy I've done) and my youngest has developed a good eye with my camera. Like any parent, all I want is to give them the best and be at my best. Teach them what I know in lieu of giving them what object I never had. What I've learned is this, they're teaching me more than I could've ever dreamed of. To love completely unconditionally.
My goal was to move into a place by March 1st, but these AirBnBs and running around has hit me harder than anticipated. I knew in the beginning that I would need some financial help, but now, it's a necessity.
I'm hoping to reach my 5K Goal. Every and any cent donated is appreciated to the fullest. GoFundMe provides protection from scams, and believe me, this isn't one of those. I'll give updates on our progress and how things are going. If you like, you can CashApp me directly at: $JoseTheActor. Please leave your name so I can thank you directly.
So please, share, tell a friend, and Thank You for helping in this time of need.
Storytime
Organizer
Jose Rufino
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC