I am asking for help.

This month, my little family’s life changed in ways we never could have anticipated.

My partner’s children lost their mother very suddenly, and in the span of days, our household became their full-time home for the first time. There was no gradual adjustment period. We stepped straight into grief, and into the very real responsibility of caring for two precious children who are trying to make sense of something that no one could ever make sense of.

Jason is currently out of work, and I am five months pregnant. We are doing everything we can to keep life steady for the kids while navigating a situation that arrived faster than anyone could have prepared for. In addition to the basics, we are also working to get the children into therapy so they have the support they deserve as they process this loss. Their late mother’s family has created a separate fund they are preserving for the children’s future, which matters deeply to us. This fundraiser is for the present moment. For Christmas. For rent, groceries, therapy, and the ordinary expenses that don’t pause just because life has fractured.

Asking for help does not come easily for me. But this is a season where love alone isn’t enough to cover the basics, and we are learning to accept support where it’s offered.

If you’re able to contribute, even in a small way, it truly helps. If you’re not, sharing this is also a kindness we’re deeply grateful for.

Thank you for reading, and for holding us in mind during a time we won’t soon forget.