LIMA — Life has dealt Mary’s family some tough cards to play.
Mary, 48, of Lima, moved to Urbana a few years ago to help a daughter in the raising of her child. Mary, who has been put on permanent disability, was just trying to help out any way she could.
Mary was only there a short time when she found out her eldest daughter, who was 27, had been diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago. The daughter was pregnant at the time of her diagnosis. Mary moved back to Lima in April to help her other daughter out. Sadly, after a battle with the disease, the daughter died.
Mary is still caring for another child who is much younger than her daughters, as Seth is only 4 years old. They struggle to get by on Mary’s small disability income, but they have managed to keep rent and other bills paid for the most part. However, her daughter’s death left Mary with another person to care for. The daughter had given birth to Mary’s grandson, who is now a little more than a year old.
The loss has taken its toll on the family with all the emotions of losing a daughter, sister and mother. Mary said Seth was very close with his much older sister. One-year-old Louis does not understand the situation a whole lot because of his age, but Mary said they periodically show him pictures and photos to help him keep his mother in her memories.
“It has been tough for all of us,” Mary said. “I was able to get us an apartment, but with what we bring in, we have enough to pay the bills and that is just about it.”
Mary said she has no needs for herself, but is hoping someone would be interested in helping out so her child and grandchild have something underneath the tree on Christmas. Seth is interested in Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and monster trucks. She said 18 and 24-month-old clothing would also help out with the grandson.
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