No Paid Leave, No Car — Kroger Mom Needs Surgery

I’ve rewritten this in my head a hundred times, but it comes down to four simple, difficult words: My mom needs help.

She has worked at Kroger for years, never missed a day during the pandemic, and holds things together caring for my two adult siblings, both of whom are disabled and live with her. They rely on her completely.

My mom rarely asks for help. But this time, she did–that’s not easy for her. And honestly, it’s not easy for me either. I’m humbling myself to ask on her behalf.

Why I'm Asking for Support ❤️

My mom urgently needs cataract surgery in each eye. Her vision is deteriorating and it’s making it harder and harder to function. She also needs foot surgery to relieve chronic pain. But she hasn’t gotten either — because she can’t afford to miss work, often working even on her days off.

She’s hourly. She has no paid leave. If she stops working, she stops earning — and right now, every paycheck is essential just to stay afloat.

On top of it, my mom’s car has broken down. She’s been borrowing rides to work when she can.

She Carries So Much

The last time I saw my mom, she cried while worrying what will happen to my siblings if anything happens to her. That’s the kind of love and pressure she lives with every day. And it's taking a toll.

I’m the oldest of four, and like many people who grew up in working-class or poor families, I carry the guilt and heartbreak of wanting to lift everyone up — but knowing that if I try to save everyone, I’ll sink too.

I’m grateful to have a stable teaching job. I’ve accrued sick time. I can afford to take time off if I need it. My mom doesn’t have that safety net.

This Is Bigger Than Us

I know so many people need help right now.

These are not lazy people. They are doing everything they can. But doing “everything you can” isn’t enough in a system that punishes people for being poor.

How Your Support Will Help ✨

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Please Share or Donate if You Can

There are many demands on people’s hearts and wallets right now. But if you’ve read this far, thank you. If you can donate, we are deeply grateful.

I’m learning that asking for help isn’t failure. Thank you for showing my mom that she doesn’t have to carry this alone.

With love,

Amy Lynn Powell