Story

Hello everyone,

This is not easy for me to write. I am someone who has always tried to be strong, independent, and helpful to others. I am usually the one giving, not asking. But right now, I am in a situation where I truly need help, and I am humbly reaching out for support.

A while ago, I went through a painful divorce from my ex-husband. It was a difficult chapter in my life, but I put it behind me and moved forward with faith. Then one day, out of nowhere, he reached out to me after years of silence. He told me he was dying. He begged me for help. He said he had no one else to turn to.

And despite everything that happened between us, I couldn’t turn my back on someone who was suffering. So I went. I would drive across town to bring him food, help him through his sickness, and sit with him so he didn’t feel alone. I did it from the kindness of my heart — not expecting anything in return.

One night, while leaving my home to help him again, my car was hit and completely totaled. Losing my car felt like losing a piece of my independence, but even then, I kept going. I continued helping him because I believed it was the right thing to do.

As his health slowly improved, we found ourselves reconnecting. We made the decision to remarry, believing we could start over and do things right this time. He even gave me his car after mine was destroyed so I could continue getting to and from work.

But as soon as he regained his strength, something changed.

He became distant, cold, and withdrawn. Slowly, he removed me from his final wishes and important decisions. His attitude toward me shifted into something hurtful and unfamiliar. He even went as far as getting re-baptized, not as a spiritual renewal, but almost as a weapon — using religion to intimidate me and create tension in the home.

The atmosphere in the house became heavy and dark. My family and I began living with constant anxiety. I felt like I was walking on eggshells every day. Despite my efforts, kindness, and loyalty, things only worsened.

Eventually, he removed me from his health insurance as well, leaving me without coverage while I was still trying to recover emotionally and financially.

At that point, I realized I had no choice but to file for divorce again — for my own peace, safety, and mental wellbeing.

Today, I am left without a car, without health insurance, and trying to rebuild my life from the ground up. I am still working, but transportation has become a struggle. I borrow rides, walk when I can, and try to manage the best way possible. But it has become extremely difficult.

So I am asking for help.

I am trying to raise funds to purchase a reliable vehicle so I can get to and from work safely and regain some stability. Any amount you can give — big or small — would mean so much to me. Even sharing this fundraiser would help.

I put love, forgiveness, and compassion into someone who turned around and took advantage of my heart. But I am still hopeful, still faithful, and still believing that better is coming.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your kindness. And thank you in advance to anyone who donates or shares. I truly appreciate it more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Maxine Thomas