Michaela and her two young children recently lost a husband and father suddenly and unexpectedly.   It’s hard to describe what this sort of a loss means to a family; Michaela’s own words, below, touch the tip of that iceberg.  We started this page to help Michaela with the financial consequences of her loss, so that Michaela and her children have one less thing to worry about during this very difficult time.  Loss of a young parent has far-reaching financial consequences, including loss of a second income, burial/cremation expenses, counseling for the children, and added childcare expenses for years to come.  If you can help, even a small amount, please do.   

Michaela:  “Nothing in the world prepares you for the heart-wrenching pain on your children’s faces when you have to tell them that their daddy is dead. Alexander isn’t old enough to grasp that his daddy isn’t coming back, and Jenna is old enough to be beyond heartbroken. I was never as good of a wife to Mike as I should have been, but I tried to make him happy. It was never enough to numb the pain he carried inside every day of his life. No one deserves to go the way he chose to go, and I only wish I could have convinced him that he had options. I wish that he didn’t feel so alone. I wish everyone else could know the amazing heart he had, and the effort it took him each day just to get up out of bed and smile and try to do the best he could by his kids. The best parts of him will live on in Jenna and Alexander. I am a better person for having known him. He taught me so much about life and love, and I am forever grateful. He may be gone from this world, but he will never be gone from our hearts. May you Rest In Peace Michael James Reeder. I trust you have found the calm that escaped you here on earth.”