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Single Father Needs Help

Posted by joebinx26 on 2012-05-21 00:58:47

I am a single father of a boy and a girl, who is in desperate need of a blessing. The mother of my two beautiful children left 2 months ago with the car amongst half of our furniture, in a bed bug infested home. I am trying all that I can do to make ends meet, but have hit a rough patch. I am currently having to reside with a couple who have a child of their own in a 2 bedroom apartment, and am looking for any kind of assistance in getting into a new place for myself, my son and daughter. I am looking for work on a constant basis, but have had no luck in this economy; consequently, without a vehicle it's made it even harder.

Only serious inquires only, as this is for my children solely.

God Bless.

Single Father Needs Help

Posted by joebinx26 on 2012-05-21 00:58:46

I am a single father of a boy and a girl, who is in desperate need of a blessing. The mother of my two beautiful children left 2 months ago with the car amongst half of our furniture, in a bed bug infested home. I am trying all that I can do to make ends meet, but have hit a rough patch. I am currently having to reside with a couple who have a child of their own in a 2 bedroom apartment, and am looking for any kind of assistance in getting into a new place for myself, my son and daughter. I am looking for work on a constant basis, but have had no luck in this economy; consequently, without a vehicle it's made it even harder.

Only serious inquires only, as this is for my children solely.

God Bless.

Single Father Needs Help

Posted by joebinx26 on 2012-05-21 00:58:46

I am a single father of a boy and a girl, who is in desperate need of a blessing. The mother of my two beautiful children left 2 months ago with the car amongst half of our furniture, in a bed bug infested home. I am trying all that I can do to make ends meet, but have hit a rough patch. I am currently having to reside with a couple who have a child of their own in a 2 bedroom apartment, and am looking for any kind of assistance in getting into a new place for myself, my son and daughter. I am looking for work on a constant basis, but have had no luck in this economy; consequently, without a vehicle it's made it even harder.

Only serious inquires only, as this is for my children solely.

God Bless.

Need Help...I am sure you heard that one before.

Posted by themistknight on 2012-05-19 00:58:58

As I said I am sure you heard someone saying they need help. If you are reading this. It is hopeful that you are here to help someone with a request. AND I am more hopeful you have come to my ad to help me.

You see, I have been waiting for the last four years for what I call my turn. In that I have been waiting to find a job. Not much luck there. For my turn to live in a better home, with stuff that does not have bedbugs because there is no help in the area for beds and that do not come with those little blood suckers. My lags are still littered there bit marks.

It is so depressing because I am gaining way to much weight. AND because I only get food stamps. I cannot really afford the healer stuff. Out side my rent. I get less then $30.00 a month to live on ($29.00). That is $14.50 every two weeks. I barely have enough to buy the essentials. I am more then just struggling. I am almost suffering.

MY past makes it hard for me to get a job. AND I cannot improve my past if I cannot get a job. I have a hard time getting to school to get my GED. Because I have a lack of reliable transportation. AND that is in part of why I am here.

I am asking ANYONE. With the ability to help me with any little bit they can. Your generosity, will go towards helping me pay off my debt, buy a vehicle (and register it and insure it), and with any luck get on my feet.

You see, I have this plan. If I could get as close to $10,000 as possible (I am willing to pay back anyone willing to help me-upward of twice that if you can help with all that at once). To one pay back as much of the $1,000 give or take a few dollars (or close to because I could likely get the company to settle for less. Then I will like to buy me a truck (heavy duty or a former U-Haul) fix it up, register it, and insure it my guess is something like $8,000. The rest will go toward buying a bed that does not have bed bugs. Get a new par of boots (which cost about $50.00 locally). Blankets, pillows (again with out the bugs), and some other little bits and tickets.

But if I could get help with even half that I will make it work some how. (not to sound ungrateful). I appreciate the time it took to read this. AND To read others stories. I wish I could get on my feet it might very well be a day I will return and help someone out on here to. But like everyone else, I am in need to.

Now in closing. I do not know if I am more deserving or not. But if you could help me, perhaps make it my turn. I will not let what you help me with pass me up. Please help where you can. Even if all I get is like $500.00 I could buy me a bed. AND those little twinkets. I was talking about. Every dollars counts. Thanks for helping me, and other people.

Robbed and Raped

Posted by autumnrainday on 2012-05-18 04:58:56

I live in a bad area. I tried to help someone else and I got robbed. The guy was high on crack and I didn't know. I was going to help him out with a few bucks but he pushed his way into my apartment and sat his ass down on my bed. When I tried to get him out, he threatened me and assaulted me. He went through my drawers and took the only money that I had. Could anyone help me to get that money back? I'm just asking for fifty right now, but anything helps.






Bipolar waiting on SSI need med help

Posted by computergurl on 2012-05-17 19:58:02

Hello. I am bipolar and in the process of applying for disability. Due to my bipolar I cannot keep work and am trying to get myself and my survival together while in the disability process. I applied mid April for disability but it will be several months until anything is done.
Right now I am in need of help for medication and my counseling fees. My medication is 347.00 a month and my counseling fees have to be paid upfront and those are 25.00 a week. I haven't had my medicine in 2 days and if I go much longer I will be in bed crying for days. I don't like to skip my counselor but I will to get my meds.
I just need help until SSI comes through...please..

My kid brother NEEDS HELP!

Posted by momabear on 2012-05-16 17:58:30

My kid brother is a 29 year old who is dieing from End Stage Kidney Decease. His Dr said the following:
that he is terminal, he needs help and I need help to provide for him as he has no income and can not work. He has been staying with me since just before Christmas(about three months after he was diagnosed), He spends most of his day dealing with hospitals and the nights going to dialysis treatments then back home. he is applying for SSI and SSD but still no word as of yet. In the mean time I need help to purchase the medical equipment his doctors have required him to have at home, also we need clothing for him as the last 3 clothing banks I have gone to near our home have had nothing his size. His diet is a dialectic renal diet and I can no longer afford to provide foods that meet it's stringent standards with out help. He dose not qualify for pre-SSI as he has no children. We have tried everything and now must resort to begging for help. We need a bed, bedding, a Fridge, clothing, activities(Batman themed), food, a new kidney would be nice. The list goes on, Please help If you can I can provide letters from his DR as proof.
This has put a strain on all of us both physically and emotionally But I love my kid brother our parents are dead so we have no one to turn to.

Email me @ angelswings2@yahoo.com
Please put beg list in subject line

Melissa

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:19

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:19

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:19

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-14 22:58:18

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

I am the 2%, or My Life as a Teen Mom

Posted by educatedsinglemama on 2012-05-14 02:58:09

Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

I am the 2%-My Life as a Single Mom

Posted by educatedsinglemama on 2012-05-14 02:58:08

Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

http://educatedsinglemom.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/i-am-the-2-or-my-life-as-a-teen-mom-2/

I am the 2%, or My Life as a Teen Mom

Posted by educatedsinglemama on 2012-05-14 02:58:08

Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:46

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:46

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:46

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:46

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:46

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.

Fire took everything, but our family.

Posted by FamilyOnFire on 2012-05-13 20:58:45

Four months ago, my children and I came home to find alarms, smoke, and fear. The garage next to our apartment building was going up in flames. Knowing that our family car was parked inside, our hearts began to sink. The fire department arrived, and seemed to have the situation under control, until cars parked inside the garage began to explode. The flames reached our apartment building, and it too began to go up in flames. From across the street, our family, and several others, watched our homes disappear behind clouds of black smoke. For the next couple of hours, fireman tried to put out the flames, but by the time the fire was contained, our home was nothing but burnt brick and ash. We thank God that our family wasn’t in the building, and that no other residents were hurt.
We have our family, but we lost everything else. Nothing was salvageable after the fire. Trying to explain that to my two little girls was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You never realize how much clothing, food, beds, or a teddy bear, mean until you don’t have any of the above. With the blessing of a few local charities, we have been given some clothing and access to food pantries. With the loss of our vehicle, though, I was no longer able to work for my employer. I found another full time job, and am thankful for the opportunity, but I am making far less income now. We now live in a motel. It is close to public transit, and it’s a place to lay our heads.
Local housing agencies have long waiting lists, and cannot help us at this time. We want, so badly, to have a place to call home. My two wonderful little girls have taken this whole situation in such stride. They are thankful and excited for the most basic things, and it makes me so proud. They are what get me through these hard times. We are struggling to keep afloat, and dream of rebuilding our lives. To sleep in your own bed, have the ability to cook dinner on a stove, or write an address on a form, seem like such trivial things, but these are things our family can’t do. I want more than anything to make a new home for my girls.
Our family is asking for the help and kindness of others. We are asking for any help you’re willing to give, so that we can start to get our life back on track. It would be more than a blessing to our family. It would be a home.