In the fall of 2012, a phone call to my grandmother led to a shocking update that shook how I look at finances today. I do not remember all the details, but the gist of the message she relayed was that my mom died. I was often busy with school work around that time. I had known she was sick off and on again with cancer, but I had no idea things would take a turn for the worse.
Taking a personal leave from school shortly thereafter, I just remember wondering, “Where am I going to live?” I currently reside with my grandmother in Oswego, but I was staying on campus in Naperville at the time. Living in a family headed by a single mother, I came to understand how unprepared we were for emergencies. In a moment like this, money should have been the last thing on my mind.
But going forward, I needed to figure out how to pay for part of my educational expenses. My financial aid package had been partially supported by a loan signed and agreed to thanks to my mother. I had no where to turn. My father wasn’t in the picture. Fortunately, my aunt, Angela Kohn, Founder of From Mom With Love Foundation stepped in. She and my grandmother helped me financially while attending college by purchasing books, supplies, clothing, transportation, and more. My aunt agreed to co-sign an interest-free loan that was offered by the college. Since then, I have paid off that loan in full. My grandma also pitched in money to help pay an outstanding balance on my account that otherwise would have prevented me from graduating and receiving my diploma. For that, I am thankful as it allowed me to obtain my degree. Today, I am a mutli-award-winning news reporter.
I recognize that none of this is made possible without the support of my grandmother and my aunt who both supported me throughout my collegiate experience. They were huge on making sure that all of my living expenses were met. If only, From Mom With Love Foundation were around then.
Thankfully I am able to find a silver lining in how my mother’s death has changed me financially. I have become more intentional about paying off debt and saving money for emergencies.
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