Single Mother of Four Needs Your Help

My story is sad yet inspirational. A very painful past of trauma and abuse.

The father of my eldest daughter was shot and killed when she was only 6 months old. I was only nineteen at the time and had to go through a lengthy court case where the accused was found not guilty. When my daughter was 3 years old a decision was made that my mother would raise my daughter in Portugal. I remained in South Africa and had three other beautiful children. I only saw my mother and daughter again in 2018.

The second part of my story is the father of my three youngest children. The abuse started within a year and it took me thirteen years to literally run away with my three children. After three cases against him I finally managed to be free from him. In 2006 I re-started from scratch with nothing except the clothes on our back. A daily struggle but I managed to survive the basic essentials. In 2010 however, life took a huge financial toll and social workers were called in and all three of my children went into the system and got adopted. Desperation, depression, many other emotions but I kept living, trying, hoping for an open door.

And that door opened in 2012 when my two sons were returned to me on abuse suspicion of the adopted parent. I found renewed energy in a hopeless situation and I have been trying to make a reasonable lifestyle for us. My youngest daughter is still adopted (by other parents) and I have not seen or spoken with her since 2010. My sons are young men now but broken and needing of guidance and counselling. They may act tough around others but I know the deep hurt within.

The reason for my plea here is for a break from continuous hardship and to help us get to Portugal in 2020 when my eldest daughter is getting married. It will also be her 30th Birthday in 2020. On my own I am not able to find the finances to buy return flights for my two sons and I to attend the wedding.

I am just so tired of trying on my own and I desperately need the help of others.

Please help me. Your assistance would be life changing for three individuals. Thanking you in advance for your support.

Lots of Love Maria