In short - I learned early on in life to only depend on myself, and I have lived a life knowing at least I have no one that really cares and that is my life, so I accepted the reality that I will always be truly on your own and at least I could be safe. I am the cautious, over planner that has multiple backups, because I can only depend on myself. I have been grateful to be self-reliant because there has been no one and no situation that I could trust and my rule has been depend only on myself, and yet I am stranded 2,500 miles away from home with my service dog, running out of time and money in my worst nightmare and personal failure. I’ve survived alone my entire life — but I am where I swore I would never be, vulnerable and scared. I am far from my home, stranded and in need of a reliable used van to get back home, and not lose everything.

I’ve survived alone my entire life. It wasn’t a choice — it was simply how things were. I learned early that there was never anyone I could rely on, so I depended on myself. I never wanted sympathy, and I never wanted anyone to know how alone I was. I learned that being open about that can make you vulnerable — or worse, a target.

I did everything I could to live as if I had a normal life like everyone else. When you work nonstop, you don’t have time to compare your life to others. There are coworkers, but no time for friends to get close enough to really know you. For a long time, that worked.

But when hard times hit — the kind other people get through because they have family or friends to lean on — that wasn’t an option for me. So I did what I’ve always done: dig in and refuse to give up. What would be a setback for someone else became quicksand for me. I kept fighting, certain that if I worked hard enough, I could pull myself out like I always had before. I believed I’d come out stronger and wiser, determined not to let that weakness touch me again.

But this time, I had to face the truth: you can’t overcome everything alone.

I am now stranded 2,500 miles from home, me and my service dog, and running out of money for shelter and basic survival. I was scammed and left without a working vehicle, and despite applying everywhere, Despite my efforts I have been unable to get temporary work because I’m “not local” or “overqualified.” What does “overqualified” even mean when you’re just trying to survive and willing to work?

I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat, but I’m at the point where we will no longer be able to stay here, I can’t get home and have no way earn enough to stabilize, and I do not "qualify" for resources. I am not irresponsible — I had savings. Life happens beyond ones control and being stuck so far from home for so long was not exppected. I made it through COVID alone, but then I was home in a city I knew, where my backup plans are but not here.

I’ve been trying to find a reliable used van, but I had no idea how many scams were out there. It’s not like I’ve never bought a used vehicle before. Worst case, once I have a van, I can earn based on my own effort — like I successfully did before (COVID) — by reactivating delivery work. That alone would be enough to get us back home before everything is lost.

I have never asked for help before but I realize my efforts alone are not enough, I can not do this alone, hopefully it is not too late. I’m asking now because I don’t have any other options left, and I’m hoping there are people out there like me — who see someone like them and understand. In the past when I helped others it was because I understood not because I sympathized.