Christmas help for 2 boys and 1 girl
I honestly never imagined I would be making a post like this, but this year has completely changed our lives in ways none of us could have ever expected.
A few weeks ago, my 16-year-old niece attempted to end her life. What followed uncovered the heartbreaking truth that she and her 12-year-old brother had been experiencing abuse at home. After a lot of back and forth, difficult decisions, and doing everything I could to make sure they were safe, I stepped up and took custody of both of them.
My niece spent time in the hospital and is now receiving therapy and counseling. Both kids are working through things no child should ever have to experience. Since coming to live with me, I have already seen positive changes in both of them. They are beginning to feel safe, they are opening up, and little by little, they are getting the chance to just be kids again.
But the reality is, none of this was planned.
I didn't have months to prepare financially for suddenly becoming responsible for two additional children. Our household went from one child to three practically overnight, and while I would make the same decision to protect them every single time, it has put us in a very difficult financial situation.
With Christmas approaching, I'm desperately hoping to find some help for all three kids—my 16-year-old niece, my 12-year-old nephew, and my own 11-year-old son.
I know there are families everywhere struggling right now, and I don't take asking for help lightly. But after everything my niece and nephew have been through, I really want to give them a Christmas that feels safe, happy, and normal. They have had so much taken away from them already. They deserve to wake up Christmas morning and experience the excitement of opening presents without having to worry about everything that has happened to them.
And I want my son included in this as well. He didn't ask for our family situation to change either, and I don't want him to feel forgotten while we navigate everything that has happened. He has had to adjust to suddenly sharing his home, his space, and his family with two children who need a tremendous amount of support.
This isn't about asking for expensive gifts or a huge Christmas. Literally even one gift for one of these kids would mean more to us than I can put into words. A small gift, a stocking item, a gift card, or anything age-appropriate would help us tremendously.
More than anything, I want these kids to have something to look forward to. I want them to have a little bit of joy during a time that has otherwise been filled with trauma, appointments, counseling, court matters, changes, and uncertainty.
If you are able to help with Christmas for any of the three kids, please know that you aren't simply giving them a present. You're giving them a moment where they can feel cared for, thought about, and remembered. You're helping me give them a little bit of normal childhood during a time when their lives have been anything but normal.
And if you aren't able to give, please don't feel bad. Sharing this post, keeping our family in your thoughts, or simply helping it reach someone who may be able to help would mean so much to us.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this
I truly cannot express how much it means. ❤️
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3Q50VCL6INNPK?ref_=wl_share