Charice’s Story
On 3-18-2023, I was at work when my best friend called. I was a caregiver, I take care of people. I love helping people, it’s my passion. After taking care of my client, I called my best friend back and we talked on the phone like we always do. I had been working all week, and doubles on the weekends, so we decided that we were going to step out for the weekend and have fun. At this time my kids and I were homeless because I had to move out of my place before my new place was ready. My babies and I went to a friend’s house to get ready and my best friend called to check if I was sleeping because she knows I work so much and would go to sleep on her. But not that day.
We got dressed up and went to a bar. We had drinks and fun, not knowing this was the day that would change my life. That night on our way home, we got into a head-on car accident. I lost my best friend. I shattered my leg, bruised ribs, dislocated my clavicle, and had bleeding on the brain. I remember asking the hospital, “Where is my friend? Do you have my friend? Is she okay?” They said yes, then came back and told me my best friend was gone. I looked at them as if they were playing. It really hit me, she was really gone. My life will never be the same because I lost my best friend.
I had surgery on my leg where they put in a rod and screws to hold it together; I had to wear a big cast for weeks. I went back to the hospital for them to take off the cast and remove the stitches, and began walking with a walker. I have to learn how to walk again. Now I’m going through therapy to get myself back together; this has not been an easy journey.
The doctor told me I am going to be down for 6 months to a year. I need help with my bills and my kids. I’m a single mother with four kids, and three have birthdays coming up. Being down for 6 months is too long for me, I’m used to working. My best friend had kids too and I want to help them with something, I can’t see myself not helping them. I know my best friend would have done the same thing for me. It’s hard for me to open me up and have to depend on other people. I’m used to working, now i don’t have a job, I can’t pay my bills or take care of my kids. It’s killing me in the inside; my life is changed, I don’t wish this on anybody.
