Posted on: Friday, December 10, 2004
Widow starting over needs some furniture
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
T.D. was born and raised in Hawai'i. Two years ago, when her husband died after a long illness, she moved back here from California.
T.D.'s 2-year-old son doesn't remember his dad, but T.D. makes a point of showing him pictures and reminding him that his father loved him.
The transition to life on O'ahu as a single parent has been a little difficult, but T.D. is working hard to make sure her son has a bright future.
She volunteered at local hospitals and took community college classes to become a certified nursing assistant, then took a job at an after-school program while looking for work in her profession.
Someday, she hopes to get a college degree.
"My goal is to become a registered nurse," she said. "I want to work in a long-term-care facility."
To donate, send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817. Monetary donations also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch. Goods can be donated at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For details, call 440-3804. She joined a church, which she said has given her the strength and support she craves. Caring for others, whether they are sick adults or children in the after-school program, helps to fill the emptiness left by her husband's death, she said.
"I try the best I can," she said. "There are trials and adversity, but I try."
T.D. doesn't have enough money to buy the things she needs for her new apartment.
Her son needs a bed. They need a dresser, and they need a table and chairs for their meals. They need bath towels.
Christmas Fund donations will be used for families who need help making it through the holidays. Any money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year.
Our anonymous Santa is matching the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.
• • •
Recent donations to The Advertiser Christmas Fund
Total $1,605
Previous total $17,231
Total to date $18,836
"Just to get away from the memories," she said. "Just to pick myself up and get away from the pain and the loss."
When she and her son moved back from California, they lived with family members for the first five months. Recently, T.D. found an apartment.
HOW TO HELP
