I don’t usually share personal things and I hate asking for help... but my mom passed unexpectedly and it’s been a lot to carry. She trusted me to be the one to tell the doctors to honor her wishes....no extraordinary measures, none. She wanted to go when her body was ready… and it was. Making that call from 1500 miles away and telling the doctors her wishes broke me, and I’ve been in a hard place since. Her last words to me were "I love you".. and I'm forever grateful for that gift...but we just didn't expect to lose her so quickly...and it's hard. Very hard.

Now I’m handling the arrangements, the travel, and trying to figure out how to bring pieces of my childhood and family memories home from halfway across the country. I don’t care about “stuff.” I just want to bring back what matters in the space of what I can fit in a rented minivan. The rest will be donated. I'm hoping there is a local women's shelter, but if not it will go to local thrift and charitable organizations to help others in need. My mom didn't have much, but she was happy. I want to try to bring something good for others from our loss. She would want it that way, and so do I.

Unfortunately, with the costs of everything and bringing home the little bit I plan on bringing back....family photos and a few heirlooms...it's adding up fast. Add to that everything emotional that comes with trying to navigate this sudden loss...and I really don't know what other options to take. I never imagined I’d be here, writing something like this, but here I am.

If you feel called to help... whether by donating, sharing this page, or even just sending love and strength... I would be beyond grateful. Even the smallest kindness means the world right now