Tami S.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this today in hopes of finding some sort of assistance. I am a single mom of 4.
I have a job, however I am not able to put in many hours at this time. My days consist of being a mom, a nurse, a cook, a maid, an errand boy, a taxi, a cheerleader, a physical therapist a psychologist and a mental health advocate and adviser.
You see the day before labor day my 17 year old son drove his car into a bridge stabilizer. Sadly he did this on purpose. He has been a very troubled young man for many years, and as he will tell you he just decided he was done hurting.
I thank almighty that he did not take my son that day.
However now I spend almost every waking moment nursing him back to health one way or another.
My youngest two daughters are thankful for their brother, however I see them feeling neglected more than usual, honestly ever.
My van has 2 spare tires, the brake pads are almost nonexistent, the rack n pinion is shot, and it barely turns, but without our trusty Bruce we couldn't get to physical therapy, psychologist, doctors, aa, or even to the grocery store.
In reality I fear everyday will be our Van's last, and I haven't the slightest clue what I will do to provide for my family at that point.
We were living in an apartment in yankton, however it was on the 3rd floor and old. Which meant no wheelchair access or elevator. I sank my savings into the first thing that opened up and shoved myself and 4 kids into a 2 bedroom apartment in wakanda sd. My son is almost ready to be released from the hospital, thankfully we are on the ground level, but so much has been needed for his new found situation in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair lifts, shower and bathing sets ups, bed lifts, hand railings, hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, clothes to accommodate his casts, slings, and other added parts.
Everything I had saved is gone, everything is breaking down, falling apart, and the struggle is becoming more and more depressing and difficult to overcome. I'm 3 months behind in rent and utilities, I feel the landlord getting frustrated, if it wasn't for covid we surely would have been evicted by now.
There is no family to speak of, for those still living wrote us off almost the second they discovered that the accident was on purpose. Very catholic family and up bringing, my job, well they send condolences, I'm sure I have been replaced and they just feel bad for me and cant manage the words that when I can I should look for employment elsewhere.
I've filled all the proper paperwork for any and all assistance I could research or find, but nothing has changed or worked out in our favor.
I have just one wish, and that's to see my son and my three girls wake up on Christmas morning and fill with enjoyment and suprise. I know they know I am struggling, they don't complain, or whine or cry about not having much. Instead they tell me how wonderful I am doing and how it's going to get better.
So here I am pouring my heart out to a screen and key pad, bawling my eyes out that I've ran out of ideas, and solutions on my own. Things just got bad, a fast, there was just no catching up, and no one could of ever been prepared or seen my son struggle to such a defeat he wanted nothing more than to die.
I would just like to know if you have a suggestion, or advice or could point me into a direction that I could apply for a Christmas present or two for the kids. Maybe even find a tree and a few decorations.
It would be so greatly appreciated and really would be a Christmas miracle.
Thank you for your cause, consideration and time.
Help needs
Financially
Rental assistance
Auto assistance
Utility assistance
Holiday assistance
Sincerely,
Tami j.
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