I Never Thought I Would Hit Rock Bottom, But This Is What It Looks Like.

On April 4, my mother passed away, and my entire world changed.

Since then, I’ve been trying to navigate grief, financial hardship, and the responsibility of being a father while figuring out how to rebuild a life that feels like it’s been falling apart around me.

Honestly, I never imagined I’d find myself in a position where I’d have to ask other people for help. But sometimes life brings you to a place where being strong means admitting that you can’t do everything alone.

My mother raised me to be strong, educated, respectful, and hardworking.

She was a single mother of three who did everything in her power to make sure we were taken care of. She taught me to work for what I wanted, to carry myself with dignity, and to keep pushing even when things got difficult.

Growing up, I dreamed of making it to the next level in sports, whether that meant playing professional baseball or football. Through hard work and determination, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Sacramento State and play football for the Hornets for three years. I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication and continued working to build a career and a future I could be proud of.

Everything I’ve done has been about building something better for myself and my family.

Then life changed.

Losing My Mother Changed Everything

In February, while my mother was going through her final transition, I had to make the decision to step away from work to help care for her. At the time, I was earning approximately $80,000 a year in a temporary position. I believe taking that time away contributed to me losing the job, although I can’t say for certain.

I don’t regret being there for my mother. Not for a second.

But the financial consequences were devastating.

I went from earning around $80,000 a year to having to find work paying closer to $46,000 to support myself and my son, Azir. While trying to process what was happening with my mother, I was also falling behind on rent and my car payments.

Eventually, I was three months behind.

I had to make some incredibly difficult decisions about which bills to pay and how to keep a roof over our heads. I paid $4,000 toward fighting my eviction because I was determined not to lose our home.

And I won.

After everything, I managed to fight the eviction and keep my housing situation from ending in the worst possible way. That took everything I had financially, but I did it because my son deserves stability, and I knew I had to keep fighting.

Unfortunately, winning that battle didn’t make the other struggles disappear.

Now I’m Trying to Find My Footing Again

Recently, my car was repossessed.

That was the moment everything really hit me.

Losing my transportation threatens more than my ability to get from one place to another. It affects my ability to get to work, pursue better opportunities, take care of my responsibilities, and continue trying to build a future for my son.

I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door in the technology industry. I have a bachelor’s degree, experience in sales and marketing, and the ability to work with and integrate artificial intelligence into both new and legacy business systems. I know I have valuable skills, and I know I have something to offer.

I’ve continued looking for opportunities and trying to find a way forward, even when the doors I hoped would open haven’t.

I’m not asking anyone to solve my entire life for me. I want the opportunity to get back on my feet, regain some stability, and continue working toward the future I’ve envisioned for myself and my son.

But right now, I’m exhausted. I’m grieving my mother, trying to hold on to my home, dealing with the loss of my car, and trying to figure out how to make everything work.

And some days, I honestly don’t know what the next step is supposed to be.

I Also Want to Honor My Mother

One of the hardest parts of all of this is knowing that my mother is no longer physically here to see what I’ve been working toward.

She believed in me. She raised me to think bigger, work harder, and never forget where I came from.

My greatest struggle isn’t just figuring out how to move forward without her. It’s continuing to pursue my dreams while wishing she could be here to witness them.

I know the lessons she taught me are still with me. I carry her in the way I think, the way I work, and the way I want to raise my son.

I also want to find a meaningful way to honor her passing.

Her life insurance coverage came late in her life, so the financial resources available to us for her final arrangements were limited. Although she expressed that she didn’t want a funeral, I still want to find a way for our family to honor her life and everything she meant to us.

She spent her life making sure we were taken care of. I want to make sure her life is honored with the love and dignity she deserves.

Why I’m Asking for Help

As difficult as it is for me to share these circumstances publicly, I’ve reached a point where I need help getting through this chapter of my life.

I’m raising money to help me:

• Regain reliable transportation so I can get to work, pursue employment opportunities, and continue providing for my son.

• Stabilize my housing and essential living expenses after the financial strain of fighting my eviction and losing my previous income.

• Honor my mother’s life in a meaningful way and help with the final arrangements and memorial expenses our family is facing.

• Create some breathing room to get back on my feet, continue working, and move toward a more stable future for Azir and me.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, would help ease some of the immediate pressure I’m facing. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with someone who might be able to help would mean just as much.

I’ve spent my life trying to be the person who figures things out, finds solutions, and keeps moving forward. I’m still that person. I’m still working toward my goals, and I’m still determined to give my son the life he deserves.

Right now, I just need a little help getting through a season I never expected to face.

To everyone who takes the time to read my story, shares this fundraiser, donates, or simply keeps my family in their thoughts, thank you. You have no idea how much that kindness means to me right now.

I’m trying to find my footing again, honor the woman who raised me, and keep building a future that would make her proud.

I may be at one of the lowest points of my life, but I’m not giving up.

Thank you for helping me keep going.