Help for Sheri as She Faces Uncertainty with Ricky's Passing

Hello friends and family,

I'm sure many of you know that our mother has recently lost her husband, Ricky. He was sick for a very long time with renal failure along with other life-threatening medical conditions as well. The sickness alone was hard on them both, and they just didn't have the means to plan financially for my mother once he died. I think we all assumed there was life insurance or other means in place to care for her. This just wasn't the case. I am sure Ricky's faith and very positive outlook gave them both comfort, that they would have more time and money to set this up in the future. However, this wasn't the case either. So, unfortunately, his passing has completely turned my mom's world upside down. Ricky was my mother's everything and vice-versa. Losing him has not only been emotionally devastating but has also left her in a financial crisis. When Ricky first started dialysis, they had to cash out his 401(k) just to keep up with monthly bills and added medical expenses. She is retired and collects very little Social Security; she will most likely get a bit more from Ricky's passing, however,

they are telling her this could take months. The transition takes time, and she really is in no condition to work because she is still recovering from a broken wrist from a nasty fall in December. She really only needs short-term help to get her back on her feet while Social Security is able to work out the correct amount she will be getting. Apparently, they stop all payments ASAP when there is a death; unfortunately, this leaves the survivor with very little to be able to live while they work it out. The situation as it stands is that she can’t afford her home or even her basic needs. We are doing everything we can to help and also looking into other state and federal agency aid to help ease

her financial burden, but these also take time. She is trying to reduce her expenses and even trading in her car, but all of that again will take time. Right now, she needs help just to get through this transition and be able to keep her home. My mom has always put her faith in God, and I know she is trusting in Him to provide a way forward. She has always been someone who gives to others, even when she has little herself. She never thought she’d be in a

position where she had to ask for help, but right now, she’s leaning on both her faith, family, and the kindness of others. This is very hard for her; she isn't one to ask for help, especially momentarily. We have had to help her understand that sometimes people need to let others help you. Sometimes this is God's way of offering relief to our prayers for help. We were meant to give and accept help from each other in hard times. Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to her. If you can’t donate, prayers and sharing are also

greatly appreciated and would be a huge help. We really do not know how much will be needed for the funeral or to help her get through this uncertain time. We do know that Ricky's cremation

was already paid for years ago (by themselves) as they tried to set each other up for a future when they may not have each other. It just didn't work that way under the circumstances. I hate to put any of this onto Ricky as it was in no way his fault. But, they were forced to scale back when he fell ill, and life insurance at the time wasn't a necessity. It wouldn't have mattered anyway; my mom would have lived in a hovel with nothing to have the extra time that she was given with the love of her life. Money just didn't and wouldn't have mattered at that time. They made do with what they had to be able to gain as many shared times and memories as they could glean in the end. She is just very appreciative of the love and time they shared together. She is also grateful for all her friends and loved ones and any support, prayers, love, and kindness from everyone during this heartbreaking time.

Thank you and God bless.