Megan Needs Us After A Year Of Heartbreaking Loss

At some point, everyone needs a little help. I know I have. And I've been lucky enough to have family and friends there to give me that help. All it takes is a few bad weeks, months, a year.

My dear friend Megan has had one of the worst years imaginable. Her dog died unexpectedly in the middle of the night. I've had a lot of pets over the years, but I've never woken up to that. Her husband struggled with mental illness and substance addiction. With her support and help, he got a handle on both, or at least as best as he could at that point. I know that some of you reading this know how hard that is. But by that time, it was too late; the damage had been done. After one doctor told him he was fine and only prescribed vitamins—vitamins!—another doctor let them know how bad his situation really was. He died within a month.

Missing work before and after his death, the bills kept piling up. It happens so fast, and once it starts, it's nearly impossible to catch back up. Utilities, car payment, gas, and insurance. Rent. Groceries. And after a loved one dies, there's so much to take care of that you barely have time to grieve. But eventually, that catches up to you, and the grief and depression make it so very hard to just get through a day. And then you get a little more behind on the bills. Most of us have lost loved ones—there is no magic timeline for getting over it. By the time you're back to work, you're struggling just to keep current on your bills; catching up isn't really an option at this point. Not without help.

But asking for that help is so very difficult. That's why I'm asking for her—please help my dear friend Megan get back on her feet. If you have a little to give, that would be so very appreciated. If you don't, please share this with your friends and family. If you can, please do both.