If you've wanted to see Ashley in Chicago.

UPDATE 10/23: I can hardly believe it, but we hit my original goal of $2000. I picked that amount arbitrarily because I didn't want to ask for what felt too much, but that still ensured I was in a good place to move. I've changed the goal only out of honesty's sake and just so people know that I could still use a bit of help if possible so I can also enjoy seeing friends and experiencing a handful of things I never got to do while I lived in California, without feeling immense guilt for doing so. The new goal is the specific amount I will be spending on moving costs themselves.

Thank you all again. I hope you are all well and only sharing if you can. I'm in a good place now, and I can't wait for these new experiences. Bless you all.

Original Post:

Hi everyone,

This is so hard to say and do. If you know me, you know that I have been with Travis for 14 years, and married for 12. In that time, we have experienced so much good, including moving to California and having a beautiful daughter.

Unfortunately, the stresses of the last few years, combined with a multitude of life changes have resulted in our mutual decision to separate. I don't know what the future holds, but for the immediate, I am moving to Chicago, where Stephanie will be joining me at the end of the year.

Everything is set up financially except for one thing: My moving expenses.

Since April, I have been battling some extremely difficult mental health issues that landed me in the hospital for a brief period, followed by an extended time in a partial hospitalization program, while I went on disability from work. The disability time and PHP went on a month longer than I expected, and crippled me financially. I'm OK to continue on here on LA or Chicago, but right at the moment, Chicago is where I need to be to get the stability to finish my healing journey.

If you have just $5 you could share to help with this move, I would be eternally grateful, and will even attempt to repay the money once back on my feet.

Thanks all for your time, and if you can't give, just your thoughts and prayers are extremely valued. Please ask any questions. I've never done one of these before, so I hope I've expressed myself correctly and made it clear why this move is so necessary.