My family is going through a lot. After a few years of loss and life disruptions, we're worn out and struggling. I sometimes have a hard time holding a job due to long-standing mental health issues, especially when the days are short and dark in the winter. My partner of eight years has been having debilitating  abdominal pain. He got some testing done last week and it's not life threatening at this point, thankfully. But, he too hasn't been able to work much. Our 17 year old is feeling the effects of our problems. He's anxious and depressed. None of us are eating enough. Our December rent is $525 past due. Our only car is about to be repossessed because of a late payment. We already live modestly. We're responsible and try to be kind. We're hard working when we're able. We just need a hand up to get through this. I feel like I've worn my friends out with my sadness. Asking them for money doesn't seem right. I didn't put up any decorations this year, not even our three stockings on the wall. I didn't want to not be able to fill them.

While we've never been affluent, things aren't always this bleak. I'm a courier and an administrative assistant. I enjoy completing the tasks that annoy others. I love yoga and dance. My dream for myself is to teach dance and exercise to seniors in assisted living facilities and to bottle and sell my own salad dressing from home. My partner is very smart and talented. He learns to play any musical instrument he picks up in weeks. He has a gorgeous singing voice and a sharp wit. I encourage him to audition for community theater but some missing teeth make him hesitant. He works from home crafting hair extensions. My stepson is also musically talented and draws incredible artwork. He's a very talented cook whose sausage lasagna is feeding me as I write this. He is perhaps the kindest person I have ever met. I learn so much about how to be a decent human in this world from him. The challenges in his life have made him courageous and resilient. At great expense to his carefree childhood. He talks about being an EMT or a researcher. His STEM classes in middle school helped him a lot.

I know we can get back on our feet. It's hard to reach for the stars while you're in quicksand. I've got several job applications in for clerical and courier work but don't expect to hear back until January. My partner is starting to feel better and eat a little healthier. He's talking about different work opportunities now that he's able to pursue them. And, our 17 year old has a job interview tomorrow at a local restaurant. My biggest fear right now is losing our car to repossession. It will make these new plans much more difficult to achieve.

Please help us if you can. It isn't easy to ask but it's worth it. We're worth it. I would be so happy to post frequent updates on how your donation has impacted our lives. I know the joy of giving and it's such a deep down joy. If you can't give or are more drawn to another cause or family, I really appreciate you reading this far. Have a beautiful and safe holiday season. Be gentle with yourself and your loved ones. Bless you. ❤️