Hi, my name is Roger. You might know me from the internet for a variety of things...

...but you probably DON'T know Roger. He's my dad, in the middle with the beard.

My dad has always been a pretty simple guy. 5 days a week, for 40+ he works as a painter, and on his days off, it is common to get a text that he had gone fishing, or he will come back with an arm full of treasure he has picked up from yard sales in the morning. My dad acts like a hard ass, as if nothing can get to him, but anyone who truly knows him sees right through that. My dad always tries his best to help anyone who asks, even if he’d come home to us and bitch about it afterwards, it was just the kind of person he is to take an hour out of his day to make someone else’s life easier, even after a full day of work. My dad isn't always huge on deep, emotional chats, but he finds ways to show us his love regardless of that fact. In time, we've started to crack through that barrier that had once refused to let him get too sappy. My dad never has it all figured out, and he never claims to, but even with as stubborn as he is, we have watched him become the best dad he knows how to be. He's the best husband to my mom that she could have ever asked for. His customers praise his attention to detail and customer service, all of his family and friends only have positive, hilarious things to say about our dad. He lights up a room with his big grin, his bright blue eyes, and his contagious laughter.

About 6 months ago, it was discovered my dad had Stage Three Liver Failure (Cirrhosis). Many things had made treatment slow, and despite a strong few months of standing he recently took a rapid downward turn. In the early hours of June 29th, Roger Sr. passed away as a result of his various health complications, surrounded by his family. He was 62. Despite the heartbreak, we are at peace knowing that his quiet suffering is over, and that he may finally be at rest with my beautiful mother who passed away a little under 4 years ago.

My family has always struggled with bills, and it was even harder on my dad with my mom's passing. She made a significant amount of income and was a lot more savvy with finances and technology than my dad. With my dad's passing, the question of income has become a looming and scary topic. Minimum wage is what is in my grasp, however I was able to (with a level of difficulty) get myself set up in a different state while my dad was around.

That doesn't account for the baby on the left side of the photo.

That's Victoria, my twin sister and best friend of almost 23 years. She is in a similar situation as I job wise, except in her scenario she is working two jobs to be able to afford her car AND help my dad with bills. With his passing, that responsibility is squarely on her shoulders. Ever since my dad started to struggle with his liver she has been on overdrive, doing work and taking care of him until the very end. Luckily, due to some smart planning she will be in a comfortable spot for a few months, but due to circumstances with where me, her, and our dad have lived her ability to be housed is always at jeopardy. The funds from this GoFundMe would be shared between me and Victoria so that my needs are met with my apartment, allowing me to support Victoria when needed, and so that Victoria can remain stable enough to spend enough time building her career and finances that she may find a better place for herself in due time. Our starting goal would help to pay rent for about 6 months, but it may go to funeral services, groceries, or any other numerous recurring bills we may have.

Truthfully, I'm not expecting much from this GoFundMe. We have never been the type to ask for support in this way, but with everything we have been through we want to try and ensure that we are both going to be okay in the long run. Our parents wanted us to have long, successful lives, and any amount extra will keep us closer to keep that hope alive in memory of them. Thank you.

If you wish to do an alternative donation, such as funeral flowers or a memorial tree, links can be found here: https://www.stallingsfh.com/obituary/Roger-StephensonSr