A Father and Two Kids Rebuilding After a Life-Changing Crime

The past few months have been surreal. I've watched Dateline a thousand times, but the thought never crossed my mind that my life could ever end up like the stories you see each week. Those things happen to other people. Until they don't. Earlier this year, my children and I lived through something I never imagined. My wife - their mother - was arrested and charged with attempted murder and poisoning after a violent domestic incident. Overnight, our world was flipped upside down and inside out - and then some. I went from being one half of the parenting team and sole breadwinner, working multiple jobs to support our family, to instantly facing the reality that I am now the only parent for two small children, ages nine and six.Since that day, our world has revolved around safety, healing, and stability. The kids are in school and therapy, and we’re surrounded by caring friends, teachers, and faith community members. But I’ve had to step away from work to manage the legal process, doctors, counseling, daily life as a single parent, and most importantly, being there for my kids when the uncertainty, the sadness, and the reality that mom isn't around anymore hits, unexpectedly, like a ton of bricks. All of these things have made it impossible to work - at least in any meaningful way - right now, and the financial worry and strain is starting to take its toll.I've never been one to ask for help, so this pains me to have to ask for help. But if there's one thing I've realized in all of this - I need all the help I can get, as they don't tell you how to navigate this in the parenting handbook.

My kids are my life, my priority. In order to be there for them right now, means I have to swallow my pride and be willing to ask for and receive help.

This fund will help with:

• Childcare so I can return to work
• Counseling for the children and myself
• Groceries, utilities, and basic living expenses while we get back on our feet

I’m not comfortable asking for help, but several people have suggested I make a place for those who want to contribute to our recovery. If you’re able to help, please know it goes directly toward giving the kids a sense of normalcy and keeping our home steady through the months ahead.

Thank you for reading, for sharing hope with us, and for believing that even after something unthinkable, a family can rebuild.