Nothing like a one-two punch to end 2023 and start 2024!  That is my story, but let me begin a little earlier in the saga.

 

I may or may not have shared with you that I had been diagnosed with diabetes a number of years ago.  I lost quite a bit of weight over time and felt good about that, but I was still on medication and at risk of complications.  Meanwhile, as many of you know, baking desserts for friends became one of my passions and every year I would bake holiday pound cakes.  I cherish that time of year, but this December was different.  First, my search for full-time work was not going well and the bills were starting to pile up.  Then, in the middle of my baking, I noticed my foot was starting to hurt. Instead of going to the doctor right away, I decided to go after I finished all my holiday baking.  And that is when everything fell apart. 

 

It was the afternoon of December 28 when I finally went to see the doctor.  He immediately put me in the hospital, and the next morning I was in emergency surgery for a serious infection in my left foot.  All I can say is that I am grateful I did not lose any toes or my foot to this unexpected complication from diabetes.  I was doubly grateful that I was able to go home five days later instead of to a rahab center.

 

Then came the second punch.  I had fallen behind on my rent and was evicted this week.  And so I couch-surf with a friend while I do rehab and resume my search for work.  Even though I have some job leads, I still need to store my furniture, pay bills, and save for a security deposit and first month’s rent for a future apartment.  I do have some job leads, I have a good prognosis for my health, and expect to be independent soon.  But for now, I need a little help with the above-mentioned expenses.  Anything you can do to help me through this rough patch would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much for whatever you can do to help.