Nancy DeLong

My name is Alan. My mother, Nancy, passed away Sunday morning.

She was the best mom one could ever ask for, my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the foundation of everything I strive to be as a person. She was a passionate craftsperson when she was able, always putting every tool and resource she had into making things for others. Her love for nature is why our gardens were always in bloom, and her compassion for animals meant every stray could find food and shelter at our home.

A series of failed back surgeries crippled her body and wracked her with pain that never subsided. Even after losing most of her mobility and being left unable to work with her hands, her spirit never dampened. She still spread kindness and love in any way she could, and would always doodle little flowers and hummingbirds on thank-you cards to those who were kind to her. Her last act before leaving us was to joke with the ambulance crew and make them laugh as they loaded her in, brightening everyone's day right to the end.

While she hadn't been in the best of health, her passing was sudden, and came at a very inopportune time. She'd been disabled for the past 17 years, and I'd been her sole caregiver. We survived on her income, alone, which is now ended.

Taking care of her has been my full-time job for my entire adult life, leaving me with little work experience. As well, my own health has me pursuing disability, which is much too far away to plan for or rely on at this time.

I'm asking for $3,500. $2,025 covers her cremation, and $1,475 would pay the upcoming bills while I look for work that I might be able to do. Please, only donate what you comfortably can, but I do need help.

Also, if you want to honor Mom's memory, just take a moment to listen to the birds sing in the morning.

Thank you.