In June 2025, we lost my son and mother of our grandchild to a horrific murder/suicide. For the last   nine months we have been raising their children, ages 3, 2, and 1. We have exhausted all of our funds during that time paying for a lawyer for custody of the children, a vehicle that was large enough for them, replacing all of their belongings and getting bedrooms put together for them. My husband used all his sick leave and PTO for mental health to help me with the children. He also drew out his 401k funds. I did not have any time and ended having to quit my job because I was unable to work effectively and safely. 

I am a nurse and must be at the top of my game to provide care to others. In October, my husband quit his job to stay home with the children while I went back to work at a new job. However I have been diagnosed with PTSD and severe anxiety and it is continuing to get worse instead of better. It is affecting my job. I was recently suspended due to poor performance. Our phones have been turned off, my husbands truck has been repossessed, and my personal vehicle is next. We have spoken to a realtor about selling our home because we are close to losing it as well. 

I tried as hard as I could for as long as I could to make ends meet, while adjusting to the new life of raising babies and attempting to grieve for my son and their mother. I feel like I have failed miserably. We are a proud family and very self sufficient, but at this time I have to admit our family needs help in the most desperate way at least until my husband can find a job that provide for us and I can go back to work. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.