In Honor of My Mom, Nikie, and Finishing This Year Strong

Today is my momma’s birthday. She was the kind of woman who gave everything she had to the people she loved. Her strength, her wit, and her fire live on through me every single day.

This year has brought challenges that I never could have prepared for, including financial hardship and the need to make travel arrangements to Ohio to potentially recover some of her belongings that were unfortunately moved across the country alongside my own personal affects.

Before I can even begin that process, I need to ensure I have the resources to take those steps responsibly and independently.

I am doing my best to stay grounded, to keep showing up for myself, and to honor her in the way she always showed up for me. If you were someone who would have celebrated her today, I ask that you consider contributing in her memory.

This year has knocked me down in more ways than I can count, but I know she’d tell me to keep going- to keep building, keep creating, keep showing up.

In her honor, instead of birthday gifts or flowers, I’m asking that anyone who feels called to celebrate her life consider donating toward helping me catch up on life’s hardships and get back on my feet.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help. But this isn’t just about bills. It’s about staying mobile, staying creative, and staying strong for the woman who taught me how. Every little bit helps, more than words can say.

Every bit of support helps me keep moving forward and reclaiming the pieces of my life that were built with her love.

Thank you for honoring her, and for helping me carry her light forward.

Much love always,

Lena Rayne