My name is Demetri, (hi everyone!) and I never thought in a million years I marry again from an ugly divorce until I met Stan. I am a strong willed, independent tomboy who loves to play and have fun. I have always worked two jobs, put myself through college, lived on my own and taken care of myself. I knew of Stan for a few years and we started talking in late February 2014 and hit it off. Instant sparks. We clicked. I was so amazed but scared because I didn't know what I was allowing my heart to jump into.
Stan and I married in May 2015 at a private outdoor ceremony with an officiant and our witnesses off a walking trail we first took the kids. Stan is a giant teddy bear who loves sports (especially the NY Giants) and his two children. Stan has always worked to support his family and recently had a change in career - for seven years he served as police officer but it's turned so dangerous he decided to hang up the badge and works for the US Postal Service. I was a parole officer for seven years and I, too, had a change in careers to go back to graduate school for a masters in social work. I work part time teaching cognitive classes: i.e.: domestic violence, anger management, and parenting classes that is court ordered. I also wait tables 30 hours a week at a famous local pub in Parkville. My cash income was roughly $2500 a month, and due to me not being able to work, we are living on $1800 a month for three of us. I also attend graduate school full time. Stan currently does not have insurance or benefits through the post office due to it being labeled part time position but receives 40 hours a week. I have a private craptastic insurance because we cannot afford anything else.
We do not live above our means; we live in a 1941 bungalow with tons of character. We have custody of Stan's six-year-old boy who is a sweet boy with a sweeter disposition. We are currently fighting for full custody of Stan's 9-year daughter who has a right arm like a quarterback. We have so much fun together, the four of us and we have four pups that we love with every ounce to give.
Why I am writing: we are in desperate need for help. October 2015 has been a horrible, horrible, month.
- On October 9th Stan was admitted to a two-night stay to the hospital due to heat exhaustion. He walks 10-21 miles a day delivering mail. It was 89 degrees outside and he is 6'5" and was drinking fluids but not enough. His kidneys shut down to 30% use. He came home on Saturday and was laying low. He was ready to go back to work, but work suggested he take the weekend off.
- On October 15th I went out with a girlfriend, we were stone cold sober at a haunted house in Kansas City, MO - the exit was a 12 foot jump out of a window onto a inflatable mattress. I didn't want to jump, but I did and shattered my ankle. EMS was called and transported me to the hospital. (I almost refused and had my girlfriend drive me.) We got to the hospital and the ER dry pulled my ankle and had to set it before casting it. It was super painful. They sent me home and I had surgery on 10/21/2015. I cannot walk/drive/run do anything on my feet for three months. Stan has been doing everything in his power to balance the house, kids, and work. This is good motivation for me to help applying for every assistance available.
- On October 18th, Stan's mother passed away unexpected, leaving nothing behind to help pay for the funeral and medical expenses. She was 73 on her way to her dry appointment, she lost oxygen and a pulse for about 10 minutes and was in ICU for five days and passed away. Stan was able to say goodbye.
- On October 27th, Stan was helping me walk up the steps to our house. We wiped the steps down to ensure nothing would happen and we both lost our balance and fell on our backs. Stan put his weight on mine and hit his head on the bottom of the car door which ended in nine stitches, a black eye, and two days off with no pay.
It's been a rough month. We have tons of pictures to show for proof. We are fighting an ugly custody battle and have maxed out two credit cards to pay our attorney at $250 an hour; yes, an hour. I missed a week of school, but with the support of my professor she totally understands with the circumstances. Our parents, family, and friends have been a huge help taking us to dr's appointments, helping us with small bills, and being there for the kids.
The DAY BEFORE my surgery our health insurance company advised they would not cover my surgery unless we upgraded an additional $450 to pay for the surgery, and they claim, "everything". My parents came up with the money for me to have surgery. We want to work, we want to provide for our family and get by. This experience has humbled me more than I could ever imagine.
Everything I have painted for you is what has just happened in October. We are continuing to fight a ugly custody battle that has been going on for months. Stan's ex-wife continues to attempt to make us look bad but it's all revealed it's not true. We are paying on old dr bills when I had a sinus surgery in february 2015. I believe bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. This is our time we are to be tested.
I always thought asking for help and assistance was for people in truly in need due to an unexplainable circumstance. I never thought in a million years I would have to reach out to the community.
I please ask that donations to not be anonymous so I may thank everyone. I am crying as I type in hope for a prayer. Life will turn around and with my husband, friends, pups, and the community by my side all will be alright.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our story.
Stanley, Demetri, & family
