I have been blessed to share my life with Abby, the most beautiful and resilient woman I have ever known. We met in college, bonding over hours spent together in the library and the cafeteria me bringing her drinks, her flashing that bright, contagious smile that could turn any day around.
Over the years, we shared countless memories: vacations spent exploring new places, late-night phone calls that lasted until sunrise, and plans for a future together. But life took a devastating turn when COVID-19 struck. Abby lost both of her parents and was abandoned by her extended family. She was forced to navigate overwhelming grief completely alone.
Travel restrictions meant I couldn’t be there physically, but I was on the phone for hours, days, sometimes nights in a row — doing whatever I could to keep her going. She worked tirelessly for minimum wage, relying heavily on tips to survive, while I supported her financially as best I could.
Recently, tragedy struck again. Abby suffered a stroke, leaving her with mounting medical bills and the urgent need for consistent physiotherapy. Even with my continued financial help, her expenses have skyrocketed beyond what I can cover alone.
