Jodee and Barrett, in their healing era!

Hi I'm Jodee and that is Barrett. (in case you didn't already know ). On January 28th 2024 I lost my best friend and Barrett's (human) daddy. It's been one gut punch after another these last few months. My husband was our only sources of income. Including my caregiver income. Despite planning for just an event, at some point my husbands life insurance lapsed. His cancer coming back was a reality, so after purchasing the house he got a small life insurance policy to protect us just in case. He had been fighting cancer for almost 6 years and spanned 4 episodes. The last year of his life we spent in a state away from where our home was. Living in a RV trailer we moved many time and did what ever it took to stay close to his doctors and family.

I lost my employment in 2019, I was unable to return to work due to leave of absence to care for my husband. I spent the next almost 6 years being his caregiver. Now that he has passed it is time for me to re-join the working world. As you can imagine at (hmmhhhmmm) my age and length of time away from the working world that it is a little difficult for me to find employment. I look three times a day - first thing in the morning, lunchtime, and at close of business. I've applied for every possible position including cashier at hardware store, anything that will pay my bills I have applied for. I have run out of what little saving I had. That isn't much after our bank account was just hacked for the second time since early December 2023. The first hack caused me to loose a few thousand in savings, which was not fully returned. The second hacking only took my $1,000 in savings. That bank account is now closed for to the severity in security breech and left me in an immediate need of help. Until a week ago I was up to date on all my bills and payments. After having the coldest month of the year my electric bill has tripled. This week the phone calls have already started. Lastly, my phone bill is due and I need it to keep looking for employment.

I have closed, canceled and disconnected any service, streaming subscriptions, memberships and any other non necessary thing. I sent one vehicle back already knowing I can't keep it. I've reduced bills in every possible way I can. We also go to the food bank once a week.

While we were away the "renter/caretakers" for our home sold and threw away so many things. So many memories. Not only do I have personal possessions to replace but there was also damage done to the house that needs repairs. I've done a couple already, one just so I could shower. There are a few more that can wait but will be more expensive to fix.

It's heartbreaking knowing people rummaged through your belongings, not to help, but to see what they could get the most money for. . I went to the local thrift store to find replacements for a few things I need and found two of MY OWN things there. it's like being robbed, it feels personally violating. I know life is rough for so many people right now and there is a lot of painful stories to go around. I pray for a break and some good news soon. In the mean time, if you could help a little or even share my fundraiser I would be forever greatful..