It is with great hesitation that I write this. I am a very proud person, and rarely ask for help from anyone. I am 21, a single mother, in college, and working part time. My son is going to be 2 on Feb. 11 and I am trying EVERYTHING as my last resort. I'll start with some background information on my life...
I got pregnant as soon as I graduated high school (big surprise) and had to forfeit the full ride soccer scholarship I had received to Southeast Missouri State University. I was devastated, but knew I had no choice but to have my baby and make major life changes. I took classes year round at Southeast to stay on track with my classmates, even throughout the semester my son Parker was born. Parker's father and I broke up about 8 months ago when I discovered he was cheating on me, and moved out to be with his new girlfriend. Obviously, I was crushed. I was now a single mother with twice the financial burden I had before my boyfriend left me for another girl.
I was lucky enough to have grandparents that helped me watch my son while I went to school and work. Parker would stay with them 2 days, and go to daycare the other 3 days. Daycare was expensive, but I managed to pay for it. Last month my grandpa was diagnosed with a chronic pulmonary disease, and passed away a week later. After this incident, I enrolled Parker in full time daycare (as my grandma is too old to care for a 2 year old by herself). As you can imagine, daycare is EXTREMELY expensive, and I have struggled this past month to pay for my son to attend. His father helps me minimally ($250/month) which all goes to daycare. His child support only covers HALF of Parker's daycare bill, and I am left to cover the other half along with all the other necessities a baby has to have. Parker's father refuses to buy him diapers, clothes, or anything that may put a small dent in his bank account. At the end of every month my bank account is down to cents. I can't tell you the last time I got to go out with my friends, see a movie, or buy a new shirt because I simply cannot afford it.
Frankly, I feel pathetic for even writing this. However; like I said earlier, I have no other option but to start asking people for their help. I feel like a middle aged woman weighed down by financial burden and stresses, but in a 21 year old's body. All I want is to be able to afford my son's daycare every month so I can stay in school. If anyone could please do anything for me, I would be eternally grateful. Thanks for reading.
