This past year has brought a lot of unexpected changes for me and my son, Arlo. I’ve been navigating the process of leaving an abusive relationship and rebuilding our lives while also dealing with ongoing health challenges that have made it difficult for me to work. Between primary care visits, seeing a physical therapist, chiropractor, therapist, psychiatrist, case manager…it feels like my mind is running 24/7. I’m also now in the process of going on disability so I can focus on my health and being the best mom I can be for Arlo. Right now, I’m living entirely on state assistance while I wait to hear about my disability. Until I’m approved, we are extremely limited financially, and there hasn’t really been any room in our budget for anything beyond the basics. The financial side of everything has been especially difficult. I also lost out on approximately $8,000 in tax benefits after Arlo’s father claimed him on his taxes, which was money I had been counting on to help us get through this transition and rebuild some financial stability. I’ve realized that throughout all of this, I haven’t really had the opportunity to do anything for myself. Because of my health and lack of finances, I haven’t been able to buy myself clothes, personal items, or things that simply make me feel like myself. Most of the clothing I have right now has come through Maine Needs and Through These Doors, a survivor support organization. I’m incredibly grateful for those resources, but it has also made me realize just how much of my life has become about simply trying to get by. Before everything changed, I was an incredibly adventurous person. I loved traveling, exploring new places, being outside, and taking every opportunity I could to experience something new. Those are some of the things that have always made me feel most alive. Now, without reliable transportation or extra money, our world has become much smaller. We are very limited in where we can go and what we can do together. I’m incredibly grateful for the low cost programs and activities we are able to attend, and for the times my mom is able to take us out and give us the opportunity to do something fun. But I would love to be able to give Arlo those experiences more often. Despite everything, I try very hard to make sure Arlo still gets to have a fun, happy, and enjoyable childhood. I want him to have toys to play with, places to explore, experiences to look forward to, and memories that aren’t defined by everything our family has been going through. He deserves the world, and I want to give him as much of it as I possibly can. One of our biggest challenges right now is transportation. My abusive ex took my car, and I’m trying to save toward getting another reliable vehicle. Having a car would make such a huge difference for us. It would allow us to get to appointments, run errands, explore nature, take day trips, participate in activities, and simply have the freedom to go somewhere when we need or want to. We’re also in the process of moving back to my mom’s house. Because of my health, I’m unable to physically handle moving everything myself, so I’m going to need to hire movers. This is another expense that I simply don’t have the money for right now, but moving in with my mom will give us more stability while I work through the disability process and continue rebuilding our lives. If anyone would like to support us, gift cards are especially appreciated. Gift cards to places where I can get Arlo toys, books, clothes, or little things that make him smile would mean so much. Gift cards for places we can go together, like children’s museums, play spaces, activities, restaurants, or other fun outings, would also help me give him some happy experiences during a really difficult chapter. Gift cards or support for things I can use for myself are also incredibly meaningful. I’ve spent so much time making sure everyone else is okay that I haven’t had the ability to do much for myself at all. Even something as simple as being able to buy myself a new outfit, personal care items, or something small that makes me feel good would mean more than people probably realize. Financial donations are also incredibly helpful and can go toward whatever we need most at the time, including necessities, moving expenses, transportation, saving toward a reliable car, or giving Arlo and me the ability to enjoy more experiences together. There is absolutely no expectation for anyone to give. I know everyone has their own lives and responsibilities. Even sharing this page, checking in on us, offering encouragement, or helping us in any way means so much. I’m learning that asking for help doesn’t mean I’ve failed. Sometimes rebuilding your life means allowing people to help you get back on your feet. The more physical, emotional, and financial support I have right now, the more I can focus on getting healthier, becoming independent again, and creating a better life for my son. I’m trying my hardest to create a safe, stable, happy, and adventurous life for Arlo while I navigate leaving an abusive relationship, my health, disability, moving, and starting over financially. I want to be able to show him that even after difficult things happen, there can still be so much beauty, adventure, and happiness ahead. He deserves the world, and I want to give him as much of it as I possibly can. ❤️ Thank you for caring about us, supporting us, and being part of our village while we rebuild. It truly means more than I can put into words.
Arlo is 2.5 and his birthday is Dec 3rd!