Let's Help My Dad
Donation protected
Meet my dad, David Horowitz. An unconditionally loving father of six.
My parents divorced when I was around five years old. Money had always been an issue for them, but especially for my dad. Throughout the majority of his adult life he was struggling to get by while supporting his family financially and emotionally.
When my parents first split money was as tight as ever for him. He could barely afford our rent, which meant we had to move almost every year. Bills piled high including child support which he was unable to pay. Despite the debt, he still did as much as he could for me and his other children.
Ten years ago he got remarried to my wonderful stepmom, Haydee. She was a blessing to have in our lives. Money was still an issue but less so and living had now become slightly easier. Over time my dad and stepmom managed to find slight financial stability. At least as many bills were being paid as they could be, now including child support. All the while, my dad and I still spent as much time as my mom allowed us to (which was very little), cherishing every moment. I remember when I was seven years old getting in trouble because I hid in the bathroom to call my dad. You see, I had already spoken to him that day and my mother only allowed us one phone call a day.
Once they were able to afford it, my stepmom started going back home to the Philippines every couple years to visit her three children and the rest of her family. Unfortunately my dad was unable to go with her. See, the debt from the child support he was unable to pay so many years before had piled too high which prevented him from getting a passport. It was at this time as well that my brother, Jacob became addicted to heroin. He was constantly stealing from us and moving from jail, to rehab, to the streets, back to jail once more, and so on. My dad had no choice but to spend any additional money he could on my brother's treatment hoping he could help him. Whether it was money stolen from Jacob, or money spent on Jacob's treatment, all that my dad could give went to his child's well being. At the same time he was still taking care of me and my other brother, Max.
On December 5th this year my dad will be turning 72. Almost six years ago he had to come out of retirement because his kids were still in need of his help. Despite the intense arthritis in his hands, legs, and back, making it difficult for him to move, he now works on commission walking hours a day going door to door for a tree company in order to support first his children and then himself.
To this day my brother, in prison now, still has his phone time and goods paid for by my dad. My other brother, Max is in school supported by my dad. My sister, Saralyn, currently struggling financially, has been receiving money from my dad.
As for me, I've been in various treatment centers, psychiatric wards, therapists offices, and medical facilities since 2014 for eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts, all paid for solely by my dad. Not to mention he is also funding my education as well.
After all these expenses, and then his own bills, he continues to pay child support. Still without a passport as my stepmom continues to go back to the Philippines when she can, my dad pays an additional amount each month towards the old child support; a debt of $9000.
My mother gladly accepts this money yet virtually everything I need is paid for by my father.
All of us know and have accepted that given my dad's age and current income, he will never pay off this old debt. Because of this he will never get his passport, never leave the country with his wife, and never meet his stepchildren in person. Because of this and all the struggles each of his children are going through, lately he has been more depressed than ever. He frequently talks about suicide and having nothing to live for. The thought of this breaks my heart as I've feared for his health for as long as I can remember.
For his birthday this year, I would love nothing more than to gift him with not just this ability to travel the world before he passes, but to finally set him free of my mother's reigns who remains emotionally abusive and manipulative towards both him and I. I want to show him that he can be happy once more and that life is worth living. I'm doing all that I can right now, saving money from every paycheck I get, but it definitely isn't enough. I need help. I love my dad and just want to finally be able to show him that all his efforts as a father is appreciated. Any help we can receive would mean more than anyone would ever know. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you consider helping me and my dad.
My parents divorced when I was around five years old. Money had always been an issue for them, but especially for my dad. Throughout the majority of his adult life he was struggling to get by while supporting his family financially and emotionally.
When my parents first split money was as tight as ever for him. He could barely afford our rent, which meant we had to move almost every year. Bills piled high including child support which he was unable to pay. Despite the debt, he still did as much as he could for me and his other children.
Ten years ago he got remarried to my wonderful stepmom, Haydee. She was a blessing to have in our lives. Money was still an issue but less so and living had now become slightly easier. Over time my dad and stepmom managed to find slight financial stability. At least as many bills were being paid as they could be, now including child support. All the while, my dad and I still spent as much time as my mom allowed us to (which was very little), cherishing every moment. I remember when I was seven years old getting in trouble because I hid in the bathroom to call my dad. You see, I had already spoken to him that day and my mother only allowed us one phone call a day.
Once they were able to afford it, my stepmom started going back home to the Philippines every couple years to visit her three children and the rest of her family. Unfortunately my dad was unable to go with her. See, the debt from the child support he was unable to pay so many years before had piled too high which prevented him from getting a passport. It was at this time as well that my brother, Jacob became addicted to heroin. He was constantly stealing from us and moving from jail, to rehab, to the streets, back to jail once more, and so on. My dad had no choice but to spend any additional money he could on my brother's treatment hoping he could help him. Whether it was money stolen from Jacob, or money spent on Jacob's treatment, all that my dad could give went to his child's well being. At the same time he was still taking care of me and my other brother, Max.
On December 5th this year my dad will be turning 72. Almost six years ago he had to come out of retirement because his kids were still in need of his help. Despite the intense arthritis in his hands, legs, and back, making it difficult for him to move, he now works on commission walking hours a day going door to door for a tree company in order to support first his children and then himself.
To this day my brother, in prison now, still has his phone time and goods paid for by my dad. My other brother, Max is in school supported by my dad. My sister, Saralyn, currently struggling financially, has been receiving money from my dad.
As for me, I've been in various treatment centers, psychiatric wards, therapists offices, and medical facilities since 2014 for eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts, all paid for solely by my dad. Not to mention he is also funding my education as well.
After all these expenses, and then his own bills, he continues to pay child support. Still without a passport as my stepmom continues to go back to the Philippines when she can, my dad pays an additional amount each month towards the old child support; a debt of $9000.
My mother gladly accepts this money yet virtually everything I need is paid for by my father.
All of us know and have accepted that given my dad's age and current income, he will never pay off this old debt. Because of this he will never get his passport, never leave the country with his wife, and never meet his stepchildren in person. Because of this and all the struggles each of his children are going through, lately he has been more depressed than ever. He frequently talks about suicide and having nothing to live for. The thought of this breaks my heart as I've feared for his health for as long as I can remember.
For his birthday this year, I would love nothing more than to gift him with not just this ability to travel the world before he passes, but to finally set him free of my mother's reigns who remains emotionally abusive and manipulative towards both him and I. I want to show him that he can be happy once more and that life is worth living. I'm doing all that I can right now, saving money from every paycheck I get, but it definitely isn't enough. I need help. I love my dad and just want to finally be able to show him that all his efforts as a father is appreciated. Any help we can receive would mean more than anyone would ever know. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you consider helping me and my dad.
Organizer
Violet Horowitz
Organizer
Lynnwood, WA
