When we were finally told we could leave the hospital, I should have felt relief — but instead, I felt numb. My daughter smiled behind her mask, clutching her bunny, while I faced the harsh reality: we had no home to go back to.
Our rent had lapsed months ago while I stayed by her side through treatments. Her dad was gone, and my job stopped calling weeks ago. I kept smiling for her, letting her pick a balloon we couldn’t really afford.
Then two police officers arrived. I panicked, fearing trouble, but a nurse whispered, “They’re here to help.” The officers offered to take us to a “temporary placement.” Exhausted, I didn’t ask questions.
Outside, one officer handed me a white envelope and said, “Don’t open it until you’re in the van.” Inside, I noticed a name on the corner: Derek Monroe — my estranged older brother.
At the temporary home, I opened the envelope. Inside was a letter and a key. Derek had been watching over us and was offering his paid-off house as a safe place for us to stay, no strings attached.
Overwhelmed, I realized I wasn’t alone anymore. Derek’s kindness gave us hope, and slowly, life began to stabilize. Months later, we were rebuilding — together.
This experience taught me: even when things seem impossible, don’t give up. Reach out. Accept help. Sometimes family shows up when you least expect it.