Kevin McCloskey

Please consider helping our dear friend Monica Harmon who is in a financial bind after her partner, Kevin, passed unexpectedly this month. Losing a loved one is always hard and a sudden unexpected death has challenges beyond grief and loss. Where Kevin had been the primary breadwinner while Monica faced healing from any injury, they had a common law marriage and are finding many benefits designed for a spouse to through this tough time do not apply. It's up to her friends to help her through this.

If you know Monica, chances are she's helped you out of a bind or two. I know for me it's too many to count. We were best friends in High School, roommates in college and continue to be close over four decades later. She and Kevin were grade school sweethearts and reconnected about 15 years ago and Monica soon after moved to Colorado. Monica has gone through several surgeries to walk, again with Kevin on the role of breadwinner, He loved telling people Monica was his first kiss in eighth grade.

Kevin McCloskey grew up in Boca Raton, FL, having moved from upstate New York in elementary school. Kevin became a surveyor when he was in the US Army, where he served his country and returned with an Honorable Discharge & disability. Kevin didn’t allow this to hold him down & went on to become self-employed — his company, Wheat Ridge Restoration, allowed him to showcase his considerable talent in home improvement, woodworking & many other areas. He adored Monica and the life they built over the years. Again, because theirs is a common law marriage, Monica is finding out many safety nets designed to catch widows of military vets, as well as other benefits, do not apply.

Monica recently got doctor's clearence to work and is once again serving people in a way that serves the community. She took a job as caretaker to a client who holds her dear to her heart — and vice versa. She has always dedicated her energy to helping people whether as a mortgage banker, supporting Habitat for Humanity, Breast cancer awareness, Veterans, children, women & others.

She loves the work she is doing and it isn't going to pay the immediate bills they had. We are asking friends to help her fill that gap for the short term while she makes plans to take on additional work and take on the challenges of finding a new home, possibly relocating all while grieving the loss of the love of her life. It is an understatement to say it is a lot.

Monica has been sober 6+ years, a feat some know first hand to the toughest in anyone's life. She is a mentor to so many just beginning that journey. She is an inspiration for anyone struggling, with her non-judgemental attitude and strong faith in the human spirit. This is a time where she needs our assistance to get through the challenges we know all too well would take anyone time to navigate through. Monica lost both parents and we, her close friends, are the family she needs to lean on, which is completely not in her bag of tricks to naturally do. Hence, this appeal for help.

Monica is faced with all the awful tasks typical steps for a new widow. Unexpected death also creates a lack fo closure while moving out of their place, potentailly relocating to a new city where she can get her thoughts together and regourp. I personally would love ehr to have the security of a couple months cushion to sort things out. The ability to not make a decision on where to live based on a tight financial situation, but based on what is best for her and how she will best serve the community she's in & depends on.

She has helped so many others get on their feet, throughout the years and friendships, please consider helping her through this incredibly tough time.

Anne Atwood Reimer