My friend Jay Mantlow has unexpectedly lost his wife and needing help. This is his story:

“it’s honestly too much to even fathom right now.. I just lost my wife, my partner, my helper, and my daughter’s mother..

I’m faced with the reality that I’m turning 49 in 27 days, Ayda turns 3 in March.. I’ve got to take care of her for the rest of my life, and I have to do it all without Ashlie’s help or support.

I’ve only ever given Ayda a bath 1 time.. she was still small enough to sit in the sink. I don’t know how to fix Ayda’s hair up all pretty like Ashlie did.. and that’s probably the easiest thing that I will have to learn now that she’s gone.. so I really have no idea how I’m going to do much bigger things like trying to make ends meet.

I don’t know how we’re going to get through this physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially… I’ve never been in this situation before. All I have covered is spiritually.. because I have to believe that GOD left Ayda here with me for a reason. Ashlie was younger, presumably healthier, and had way more talent in her pinky toe than I ever did in my life.. she could cook, bake, draw, create, or make any kind of craft that she wanted. She had so many great traits and skills to teach Ayda. All I have are the memories now.

But when it comes to question about watching Ayda for me, there will come a day when I will need a break.. I don’t know when that day will be yet. All I know is right now I need her just as much as she’s going to need me. Mommy and Daddy are her world.. Ayda and Ashlie were mine.. now a huge part of our world is gone forever. We need some time to process this tragedy and heal from it together.

So please know the offer to watch her is greatly appreciated, as are the prayers, but right now I’m literally still processing this minute by minute and struggling to do so. I keep expecting to hear her yell "Babe" or come walking into the room.

I also want to say thank you to everyone that has reached out. I truly appreciate each and every single prayer, comment, text, or call.”