On October 31st 2009, my father passed away. He was an incredibly loving and respected man who served our country for over 15 years. He had been suffering with Type II Diabetes, Psoriatic Arthritis and spine problems ever since I was in elementary school; it pains me a great deal to think back on my life with my father and knowing him only as being a sick and disabled man. My mother, however, knew him for more than 20 years prior to the birth of my sister and me. She remembers him as the handsome, kind, and giving man that he always was, both inside and out. He was such an amazing man, none of us thought he would go so soon; I never thought I would lose my father at 23, and that I wouldn't have him to walk me down the aisle or meet my grandchildren. Just writing this right now is bringing tears to my eyes.

Because of the unforeseen circumstances of my father's death, my mom found out that his life insurance policy had lapsed in 2002 and therefore ceased to exist. He had no will, and as a result of all of this, my family has no choice but to go on food stamps. With no income and little support, my mom will eventually be forced from her home, unable to pay her mortgage. She is on disability due to a car accident a few years back, so she doesn't have an adequate source of income. My sister and I moved back home to help get things back on track, but unfortunately our lives and careers are out of the area so it has cost us quite in bit, both financially and stressfully. It has been a downhill struggle, only getting worse every day. There are so many bills to be paid and so many debts to pay off. It is a constant stress on all of us, particularly my mother, and I am starting to fear for her health because of it.

I came across this stie as a result of my desperate need to find help and and search outside of the box. I am hoping and praying that this might be an answer, and it will help us get back on track and start to live normal lives again. I haven't told my mother that I am doing this because I want it to be a surprise for her as long as I can keep it one. She really needs this, I can't stand to see her without the life and hope she once had. Any donations made would go straight to my mom and help her pay off the mortgage and keep her house. I am a firm believer in the kindness of strangers and the power of giving; I know that there are so many wonderful people in this world.

If you cannot make a financial donation, passing this email on to anyone you know is just as helpful and much appreciated. Thank you so much for all of your help, whether it be thoughts, prayers, donations, or simly reading this far.