Hello... This is something I've never done before, and I'm not feeling so confident asking for assistance. However, nights are long, and sleep is short. I'm up most nights scheming my breakaway plan—hoping, wishing, praying, planning for a better day/week/month—striving to gain stability.

Over the course of the last 9 months to a year, I've consistently fought to keep my head above water, to keep food in the fridge and on the table, to keep the lights on, the propane tank and gas tank filled, to make sure rent is paid, and the animals have food and fresh water. I work 7 days every week—2 jobs plus the duties I have as a mother, and my partner also works 6-7 days a week and helps care for the home. But still, we're barely making it happen. The shop I have downtown has slowed to a near stop over the last 4 months or so, and I've had a hard time moving forward with it. 4 of the 7 days in a week, I'm not open because I have another job that I can make SOME money at. But sadly, I believe I may have reached the end of the line in regards to what I can do for myself with both of these opportunities. The money just isn't adding up to what we need to sustain our simple lives. I feel lost for solutions. I can't do this alone. So I'm swallowing the shameful thoughts of asking for help, and just doing it.

Here goes:

I came home Thursday evening, just 24 hours before the storm hit, to find that my home's propane tank was on 0%. It's $640 just to get it filled up 40% in order for us to warm the home and cook food. We expected to be paid $630 the following day, so I begged them for an emergency fill. They couldn't. No sooner than 1 week, they said. By the grace of God and Earth Angels I call friends, we were able to rent a spot to wait out the storm with all of our animals for a very low rate. But that took away $100 from our $630. Then there were the groceries and the electric bill. And now I'm down to $230 to my name, and no, I have no savings, no money in a business account—collectively, between us 2 adults, we have $230.

Today is the last day here. We are preparing to head back home to no propane in the house until we can get back to work hopefully this week, and await our next paycheck. And here's the kicker—rent is due in 3 days. So I'm overwhelmed to say the least. I'm hoping this, as my last resort, could get us back in the green, warm, at home, feeling some peace in these trying times.

I know everyone is going through their own struggles, and I know with the state of things right now, not many people have much to give. Any contributions, any shares to spread the word helps immensely. All funds go straight to bills, groceries, and gasoline.

Thank you so much for reading and thank you to everyone who has loved and supported us through these hard times this year. I wouldn't have made it to 2026 without the kindness and love of my family and my friends, and I don't say that lightly. I love you, and I thank you always.

With all my love,

~V