Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out today from a really raw and vulnerable place. As many of you know, I recently lost my dear mom after a tough battle with cancer. It's been an absolute whirlwind, and honestly, I'm still trying to find my footing amidst the grief and exhaustion.

For the past several months, my entire life revolved around caring for her. From June onwards, every moment was dedicated to making sure she was comfortable, getting her to appointments, and being there through countless hospital stays. We had so many sleepless nights, fighting for proper care and supplies – everything from medical beds to everyday necessities. It was incredibly challenging, both emotionally and physically, but I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. My mom deserved all the love and care in her final days, and I'm grateful I could provide that.

However, being her sole caregiver meant I couldn't pick up extra shifts at work, and with the unexpected costs piling up, I've found myself in a really difficult financial spot. It feels a bit surreal, but the day before we got mom's cancer diagnosis, I'd actually just bought a new car, adding another payment to the mix. Now, with everything that's happened, I'm behind on car payments and other bills, and it's weighing incredibly heavy on me.

I'm currently doing everything I possibly can to keep her home, which holds so many cherished memories, while also trying to manage my own household expenses. With the holidays right around the corner, it's just adding to the mental strain, and I'm feeling more depressed than I have in a long time. I've been in recovery for ten years now, and this period has truly been the biggest test of my strength and resilience.

It's really hard for me to ask for help, but right now, I need a little bit of a lifeline to get back on solid ground. Any support, big or small, would mean the world to me as I try to navigate this new chapter and give myself a chance to truly grieve.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Racheal Rock