Jim Merlin's Funeral

My name is Bailey Merlin, the oldest daughter of Jim Merlin. My father died of a sudden heart attack on September 1. While my father was an alcoholic and not in the best of health, it was a surprise that rocked me and my family. He left behind a lot of people. Mostly, he left behind his 5 children, two of whom are only 11 and 13.

Nothing really prepares you for the loss of a parent or all the paperwork and costs that it entails. For instance, when your father is a Marine Corps veteran, the military covers the cost of his burial but not his funeral. Or that when your father has life insurance but lists his underage daughters as the beneficiaries, no one can touch the money until one of them is of age. Or that when you are next of kin, the expectation is that you have to pay the remaining $6000 for his funeral.

That last one sucks, mostly because I don't have $6000. So, I'm asking for the kindness of family, friends, and strangers to help me bear this burden. Donations will cover the cost of my father's funeral. Any donations over $6000 will be given to a charity that benefits veterans struggling with addiction.

Thank you so much to anyone who can find it in their heart to make a donation. It means so much to me and my family. If you aren't able to donate, please repost to spread the word.