Support Bella's Art Camp Fundraiser

This is the first time I've ever used Go Fund Me... and hopefully the last for personal use, but it's worth a shot.

This is for Isabellla (Bella). Though I am bias, she is an amazing kid: smart, funny, talented, considerate and beautiful... inside and out. But, above all, she it tough and resilient. Bella has been through a lot these last couple of years, though you would never know. She never complains about her situation.

A quick back-story. I have dedicated the last couple of years of my life to my sobriety; including being away from her for the first 5 months. Though it wasn't the first time I had tried this, it has been a long road, but the sacrifice was worth it. If I couldn't be there for myself, I sure as hell can't be present for her.

Needless to say, a lot of changes had to be made in order to maintain a new lease on life. Bella's mom (Anastasia, for those who don't know) and I also had to make some necessary changes in order improve our quality of life. With a heavy heart we realized it was time to go our separate was, for the good of all parties. Our happiness coincides with Bella's, but she is our primary focus.

With these changes, things have been hard on all of us. Two different home (me with my parents), schedules (I work days, Anastasia nights), finances, grocery bills and general expenses. I never realize how beneficial two incomes under one roof really is until... Not exactly a walk in the park.

This all being said, Bella is not destitute. She has everything she needs and occasionally what she wants/ deserves. She has a loving family who usually gets along. She had all of the first-world necessities. I don't say that tongue in cheek, but sometimes we loose sight of these gifts. My gift to Bella might be a trip to China Town and eating at a place most others wouldn't even consider. She has such an adventurous spirit. Anastasia's gift may be some shopping for much-needed clothes, followed by some ice cream and some Mom time.

Now here's the hook: Bella's mom and I would love to get her into a really cool camp for a month, or even a couple of week (one week is better than none). It is a traditional camp with a specialty program for fashion design and machine sewing. She is so creative, it blows my mind some times! But camp is not cheep, $735 a week. I paid for camp last summer on a credit card that I am still paying off. I don't regret it at all. That is not an option for me this time. Grandparents aren't in a position to help right now.

If you have read all of this and can't contribute, I still thank you. But if you can, my heart overflows with gratitude. If we should exceed our goal, the funds will be put into an account for Bella to further her passion for creativity, like sewing classes.

As Anastasia and I rebuild our lives brick by brick, Isabella is the mortar that binds us together. We would do anything for her, this being no exception.

Sincerely,

Michael