The weight

My story

Being a parent is unlike anything else in the world. It’s a constant, unwavering feeling of devotion—a pull so strong it defies logic, explanation, and reason. My children mean everything to me. Absolutely, Everything. They are my breath, my heartbeat, the steady rhythm that carries me forward even on the toughest of days.

It’s easy to say, “I’d do anything for my kids,” but living that truth is something entirely different. It’s being ready to drop everything, regardless of the time, the place, or the circumstances. It’s holding their fragile worlds together when they need you most, even as your own world teeters on the edge of breaking apart. They trust me to be their safety net, their champion, their unshakable constant—and I gladly accept the privilege of being that person for them.

But right now, the weight feels unbearable. This move—this decision—is something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. I don’t have the means to make it easier, to smooth the sharp edges, or to protect my family from the strain it’s causing. $5,000 may just be a number to some, but to me, it’s the barrier standing between holding it all together and feeling like I’m unraveling piece by piece.

The emotional toll this move is taking is far greater than just packing boxes and changing addresses. It’s the guilt of not being able to give my children everything they deserve. It’s the fear of the unknown and the ache of knowing that they’re looking to me for answers I don’t always have. And yet, through it all, my love for them burns brighter than ever.

Even in the face of this struggle, I know my kids are watching me. They’re learning from me—my resilience, my determination, my grit in the face of adversity. I may be at my breaking point, but I also know that my love for them will see us through. It always has, and it always will.

If there’s one thing this moment has taught me, it’s that being a parent isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up. It’s about giving them the kind of love that outlasts hardship, transcends circumstances, and reminds them that even when the world feels unkind, they are my all and everything.