Hey LoveFaces: A Resource Request from Nik Shier

Hello Loves, Friends, Buddies, Family, and Strangers,

I want to tell you that I stand here, without feeling weird, because I am able to fully embrace my anticapitalist, communal care, Working Poor Rooted, Queer values. But I do feel weird, as we are all conditioned to fight to survive alone and with shame. (And also, I'm totally lying down and haven't left bed in days, so to say I am standing would be a lie).

I wouldn't want you to feel weird, so I'm trying not to. But I'd rather use my energy to show up feeling shaky and practice surrendering to your care than to not feel a way. And I do trust that we've got each other.

As many of you know, I had a hysterectomy on November 1st. A surgery that has been emotionally and physically painful, yes, but also a surgery that came after years of being sick and months of depleting my PTO this year. I've been off work since 10/31 without pay and I was scheduled to go back on Monday, November 28th, but due to complications following the surgery, I will not be able to return to work before the new year.

On Wednesday, I had a post-surgery emergency that I'm quite lucky and grateful to have woken up from. And after my child's first 911 call, my first ambulance ride and bedpan experience, a 6-pint blood transfusion, emergency surgery, and a sleepover in the hospital all by myself, I'm actually far less shaky to reach for your hand than ever before. Because I need you. And it's such a beautiful thing to be alive and needing you. Even if it is also terrifying. And it's such a beautiful thing that you're alive and needing me too. It's OK if you're terrified. We've got this. I've got you.

I am so grateful to all of those strangers in the ambulance and the hospital who showed me that if I surrendered, they would care for me. I'm so grateful for their care. And their humor.

And I'm so grateful for my brave, capable child who became much more of an adult on Wednesday.

I'm asking for your help in the form of financial resources for housing and food and medical expenses. If you'd rather share resources directly and avoid the processing fee, you can find me on PayPal @NikShier, Venmo @Nik-Shier, or CashApp $NikShier.

It would also be incredibly helpful to have gift cards for Walgreens or Walmart. I have access to a discount at Walmart that will allow our resources to stretch even further.

If donating financial resources will negatively impact you, please don't. I trust that our needs will be met and your sharing the opportunity to donate or liking this post is an equally meaningful way to contribute. As is your connection. And I want you to take good care of you, too. ❤

I love you, deeply. And it is an honor to learn to be cared for in your company.

With care and gratitude and love,

Nik