In April of 2015, I lost a very dear friend, George Emory Dean IV. George was the composer for my documentary film and one of the smartest and kindest people I have ever known. He also happened to be from one of the warmest and kindest families I have ever known, a family that had already become so very special to me. George was only 35 when he passed away, completely unexpectedly, from suspected complications due to pneumonia and several autoimmune related diseases. He was the primary earner in his family at that time, essentially financially supporting both of his retired and disabled parents, as well as his sister. They were all so close, and as you can imagine, the loss hit them all incredibly hard, both emotionally and financially.

Since then, the Deans have managed to get by, spending lots of time together to heal their wounded hearts, and stretching the little money they did have as far as it could possibly go. It has been a struggle and constant source of stress, but they have been able to meet their basic needs, and have been deeply grateful for that.

Then, last week, the family experienced another tragic loss: George's father, George Emory Dean III, passed away, also unexpectedly, leaving behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Carol, and their only remaining child, their daughter, Sara. Both Carol and Sara live with multiple chronic health conditions and the past few years have really taken a toll on them both. Losing Mr. Dean is not something they were anticipating happening this soon or this suddenly, and their world has, once again, been turned upside down.

Now, in the midst of their grieving, they are faced with serious financial problems, even before the funeral services for Mr. Dean take place, later today. The life insurance money they received following their son's passing, which had largely carried them through, has now all been spent, and the social security money that they were using to get by is now being cut, because of George's father's passing. This doesn't leave Carol and Sara with enough money to meet their needs. They just do not have the financial resources to make it work. 

Though it is a heartbreaking decision for them, they now realize that they will not be able to stay where they are currently living, which has been their home for more than 30 years. They have tried to look into housing assistance, etc., but found that they are not currently accepting applications for low-income housing in their county or surrounding counties. They have decided that, without another option, they will need to move closer to family, so that they can be supported and surrounded with the love of those closest to them.

But a major move out of state can't happen for at least a few months, and in the meantime, they are facing several major and urgent financial concerns: 

1) They do not have money to pay their current rent, now or for these next few months. They are not able to meet their basic monthly expenses, let alone take care of any extras; and 

2) They need to move, as soon as possible, but they can't do that themselves because they are not in any physical (or emotional) condition to do that. That means hiring movers, etc., and they don't have the money for that; and 

3) They don't have money for first, last, and security deposit on a new, smaller place to live. 

SO, I am humbly asking for your support of my friends, Carol and Sara Dean. If you can make even a small donation to go toward their housing security for the next several months and/or their urgent moving fund after that, then that would be most appreciated. Any amount helps, truly, and I know they would be so grateful (and relieved). These are such good, loving, and generous people, my dear friends, who simply find themselves as we all sometimes do— experiencing one of the deep, dark valleys in life, rather than one of its peaks. It's a sad and stressful time and they could so use your support.

If you are not able to contribute financial resources, but would like to offer support in another way, thank you so much! Please consider a kind word of sympathy and encouragement in the comments below. That would mean a great deal, I know. Carol and Sara also really appreciate prayers and all of the positive energy that people might send their way.

Mr. Dean was always so warm and welcoming to me. He treated me as a dear friend, as a second daughter, from the very first moment we met. Over the years, we shared so many memories, birthdays, holidays, and laughs together. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an incredible mind. He was a fascinating man, with phenomenal stories, and so much love in his heart. I wish you all could have known him. We will all miss him very much. 

You can read more about him in this beautiful tribute to his life, written by his beloved wife, Carol: https://rosefamilyfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1256/George-Dean-III/obituary.html.

Thank you all so much for making the time to read this and for your compassion and generosity. 

With deep gratitude and appreciation,
Chloé