Sudden and Tragic Death of Husband and Father
Donation protected
Earlier this month, my cousin Amber suddenly and tragically lost her husband, Michael Cosme. His children, Danica (9), Dominic (7), Roman (4), Mila (2) and Lyla (1) lost their Daddy.
Mike was an Army veteran who enlisted as an M1 Abrams armored tank crewman after graduating high school. During his tenure, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2012-13 with Special Operations Task Force, South East. He received two Army Commendation Medals and an honorable discharge. After getting out of the Army in 2018, Michael was diagnosed with service-related PTSD and chronic depression. He received a disability rating of 60% and was in the process of appeals. Michael had been turned away from the Local VA for both physical and mental health issues, and they told him to come back in September. Unfortunately, Mike couldn't wait until then to be seen for the urgent issues he was dealing with.
Mike's family and friends remember a loving, caring man who lived simply yet richly. Mike loved his children, siblings, family, and friends fiercely and totally. He enjoyed making people laugh, was incredibly intelligent, creative, and musically gifted. After separation from the Army, his career included over-the-road truck driving, tow truck driving, cable installation, and construction. He leaves a legacy of how to love with the whole heart.
I want to allow my cousin and her family to grieve with the opportunity to adjust to life without him, without the added stress of trying to figure out how she will be able to make ends meet in the immediate future. Amber and the three youngest children no longer have a home of their own and have moved in with her parents, who already have four other people living with them. Ideally, a year's worth of living expenses would help significantly if it allowed her the opportunity to finish college courses and secure a job during that time, as well as secure a place of her own with their children. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the funds to do so.
The financial burdens that come with the loss of a spouse can be overwhelming. Amber has been a stay-at-home mom with the children they have together - all under the age of 5. The youngest two are still in diapers, and childcare expenses add up quickly. Any money donated will go straight to Amber and the children to help with living expenses for up to a year.
It is in these times of loss and sadness that people come together to help one another. We are thankful for any support you may be able to provide.
Read Mike's full obituary here:
Mike's final roll call:
Organizer and beneficiary
Tiffany Huston
Organizer
Dade City, FL
Amber Cosme
Beneficiary