I am embarrassed to be even writing this letter, but as the saying goes, desperate times desperate measures. I am in my mid-50s and had a sizeable savings account, six figures. But I have been helping a friend during a very difficult and grueling time; a single mom with two kids, with no family support or help from the fathers, and lost her job and apartment. Her father was deported back to Mexico and does not have money to help. Her mother passed away a few years ago. She has tried numerous times to ask her brother for help but he does not respond. In addition, one of the kids has a medical condition, MCAAD. He had numerous medical appointments and even surgeries.

So, I have been helping financially trying to do what I could with all she is going through! I was paying for food, hotel room, transportation, and medicine. She has been on job interviews but has no employment yet. She keeps applying so hopefully will get something soon.

Unfortunately, I did not keep an eye on my finances as I should have and one day realized my savings were nearly gone!! The shock on my face was more than I could describe!! All those years of saving my money almost wiped away!! I take full and sole responsibility for this!! Having worked in a financial institution at the beginning of my career I know better!!! I heard numerous stories of people telling me either about bad choices they made with their money, or an investment gone wrong, or a family emergency wiping out their accounts. Never in a million years could I imagine this happening to me!!! But unfortunately, it has!! I feel ashamed of even showing my face!

She feels upset, guilty, and humiliated that I am in this situation. I have been the only friend, and support system she has. There is a waiting list for a shelter she could go to, but she would be split apart with her kids! I know there are tons of people in this world who are in the same boat or even worse than she is. 

I am humbly asking anybody with a decent heart, and some extra money stashed away for any assistance you could give!! I do not expect to get my entire savings back, but anything would be heartfully and graciously appreciated!!! I believe my heart was in the right place, trying to help someone. Just never thought in a million years that I would be in this situation! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this!