Single mom wants to make kids happy
"My husband and I were both working as ranch hands when one day he just up and left after my hysterectomy last summer, leaving my children and me with nothing. We were told we had a week to move out of our house."
With nowhere to go, this now-single mom ended up moving in with her parents. Today she and her children share a small bedroom, with the children sleeping on the floor.
"The past few years have been a struggle," she said. "My last surgery was my fourth in less than four years and my son was born with spinal issues and is currently a Shriners patient.
"We're trying to get back on our feet now but it's very rough. I have a job - I'm lucky to get the job I did - but some days I go in and there's no work. I think last month I made less than $300."
She said that her family's food stamps have been cut back, "leaving our food very low each month," and admitted that most of the time she feels overwhelmed and pressured.
Her grandmother died the day before Thanksgiving and her children are having a hard time in school. "They're old enough to know what's going on and they're stressed out."
She dreams of going to school some day herself when she's finally able to afford it. She said she's interested in a career in law enforcement - forensics in particular.
"I'm honestly trying my hardest to support and raise my children on my own. However, money is a huge factor in our hardship.
"I want to see my kids happy. It's the most important thing for me. I feel like I've got to be strong for my kids."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County families in need. Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.
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