Single Mom's Sanity-Saving Sojourn

Hello, I am fundraising for a dear friend of mine -- I'll call her Sharon. (She has no idea yet that I'm doing this for her.) Sharon is recently divorced and living in a small apartment with her three children and family pets. She works full-time and is currently studying for a professional certification that will help her move to the next level, but money is extremely tight now and they do not have insurance yet. She gets through each day with hard work, humor, and most of all hope -- hope that everyone stays healthy, hope that nothing she can't handle happens, hope that lining up more legal support brings some kind of change ... and relief. (Her formerly successful ex-husband is in active addiction and has not fulfilled his obligations to the children for the past couple years.) Sharon is also working hard to help her elderly mom transition into the next chapter of life without her husband, Sharon's father, who suddenly passed away this past winter.

I have always admired Sharon. And although the last years have been beyond challenging for her, I seldom worry about her. She is a born problem-solver, natural optimist, and savvy economizer. She knows how to help herself. But for several months now, she has definitely been struggling to find any kind of balance in her life, forget time to relax or recharge. And then a couple of weeks ago, she tried to help an elderly neighbor who had fallen down on the sidewalk in front of her building, and she ended up throwing her back out. Luckily she's almost recovered, but talk about another kick in the butt.

Lately Sharon confessed to me that she cannot imagine how she'll get through the next few months with no end in sight to the demands she faces alone day in and out. She was brave enough to create a safe new life for herself and her family, but some days are so exhausting I think she questions whether leaving was the right thing. I believe with all my heart that it was, and I know she does too deep down. But I can understand why she can't feel it at times.

Sharon would not be comfortable with my doing this for her. But she is also smart, much of that wisdom very hard-earned. So I think, if we can help her out a bit with the resources, she would embrace the opportunity to get away for some much-needed relaxation near the ocean, her most favorite place of all.

If you would like to help a really brave but exhausted woman enjoy a weekend at the beach this summer, please consider giving. I came up with this amount based on cost of a midrange OC or Rehoboth hotel room/airbnb, plus gas, plus a Friday and Monday off from work for traveling. Thank you!!!