I didn't want to do this. I'm not one to ask for help. I carry all bags of groceries at once and by myself. But, on January 31, moving day, I got all of my and my sons' belongings into our new apartment at 1 p.m. By 3:30, the house was a total loss.

My mother got the boys out safely in a hurry. I attempted some unnecessary, "I don't see the flames but I'll open the windows before I go," type of trauma response.

The boys lost their father in a house fire in January 2024. While still in therapy for that loss, I was offered counseling for them due to this trauma, that we'll be doing as a family.

I've known since I was a youngster that in the event of a fire, it's "People, pets, photos." We have no pets and all people made it out. Old photos did not, but it is what it will be.

Further, we lost all of our personal property. This includes furniture, beds, dressers, regular clothes, their school uniform clothes, household goods, family heirlooms, appliances, and all of their books, toys, and learning devices.

Again, I absolutely don't want to ask for help. This is a hard enough economy as it is. We have a roof over our head for the next few nights. But as for the future and a home, I have nothing to put in it for them. And as a mom, that breaks my heart.

If anyone is able to help us out, we will be forever indebted to you. What began as such a proud, happy day as a mother (to be able to move them into a much nicer place), was incredibly short-lived. And now, as humbly as I possibly can be, here I am.

I understand fully if anyone is unable to financially assist. Merely sharing would also warm our hearts.

With gratitude and love, always -

Ashley, Justice, and Rockwell