A Heartfelt Farewell

This is my mother. She passed away suddenly three weeks ago. I made a promise to my father that I would take care of her, a commitment I upheld for 14 years as she bravely battled her heart condition and dementia. At 80 years old, she was a wonderful mother and the devoted wife of an Army veteran.

One fateful day, she fell, and despite my efforts, I couldn't lift her up, prompting me to call for help. The medical professionals advised me to have her examined, and though she had always insisted that everything was fine to spare me any worry, we soon discovered she was suffering from heart failure. Following a 12-day hospital stay, I had the privilege and heartache of caring for her during the last four days at home in hospice.

It was an immensely challenging time, made even more difficult when I learned that she had no will or life insurance. At 58 years old, I find myself living alone for the very first time, having adhered to my father’s rules throughout my life. Now, I am grappling with chronic kidney disease and am unable to work.

As if this burden weren’t heavy enough, the government has reclaimed her benefits, leading to the repossession of our vehicle. The costs of her burial amount to $1,200, and I am faced with debts throughout $9,000 and back taxes of $2,000. I require $1,000 a month just to survive. I've applied for every assistance program available, only to be denied repeatedly due to my age or told there are waiting lists. I fear that the streets might be my next reality. Slowly, I am losing hope.

This is not a scam; the first two years of my life were solely spent with her. I came to know my father only through an 8x10 photograph, as he served in Vietnam, while I have dedicated the last 14 years to my mother because she didn't want to be alone. My heart still breaks for her; I miss her more than words can express.