I’m writing this with a heavy heart and a sense of urgency I can barely put into words. Time feels like it’s slipping away, and I need to be with my dad.
My dad, Kenneth Smith, is 82 years old and lives in Athens, Alabama. He had a pacemaker put in back in early May, and his kidneys are not functioning the way they should. I live in southern Wisconsin, and I’m trying to get to Alabama as quickly as I can to spend time with him.
My dad means the world to me. I don’t want to miss the chance to tell him I love him, hold his hand, thank him for everything he’s done for me, apologize for anything I may have ever done that hurt him, and just be there with him. Those are moments I’ll never get back.
We talk on the phone every week. Before he was hospitalized our calls lasted up to 2 hours, and since he was in the hospital they were only maybe 30 min, for the last 3 weeks they have been 15 minutes. Today it was around 5 minutes 😢. He told me he didn’t feel good and didn’t have the strength to hold the phone.
I’m trying to raise $2,000 to help cover the cost of getting from southern Wisconsin to Athens, Alabama. That includes gas or airfare, a hotel if I need one, food, and any unexpected expenses while I’m there.
I wasn’t financially prepared for something like this as i had CMC arthroplasty in May and the expenses have added up so fast. I’m doing everything I can to get there asap.
If you’re able to help, no matter the amount, I would be so incredibly grateful. Every donation gets me one step closer to my dad.
If you aren’t able to donate, I completely understand. Sharing my fundraiser with others would mean just as much.
With love and gratitude,
Teresa
