Story
Laurel Krahn lost her husband of 19+ years (Kevin G. Austin) suddenly on November 11, 2024 (he took a nap as usual, but never woke up). They relied on each other and were best friends and partners for more than 23 years. At the time of Kevin's sudden death, they were still reeling from the loss of Laurel's parents (her mother in November 2021, her father in May 2023) and their two beloved cats (Isbjorn in October 2023, Ibsen in January 2024). This is A Lot. This is Too Much. It would be difficult for anyone, but Laurel has severe treatment-resistant depression which she has been struggling with for more than 35 years along with an anxiety disorder, and (recently diagnosed, so far untreated) ADHD. Kevin and Laurel were already struggling due to depression, these losses, and the pandemic. Now Laurel is going to need a lot of help as she no longer has the folks who were her primary support system-- Kevin and her parents. Kevin also did all of the cooking so this will be a huge adjustment-- thus the request for gift cards for places from which Laurel can get food. (Laurel is also interested in food recs & simple recipes and has requested those on Bluesky among other places.) Laurel has not been able to work since 2001 but never managed to get on disability. She could use all the help she can get. Everything is very much appreciated. Just knowing people care means a lot.
Special Notes
Laurel remains very cautious about the pandemic (as was Kevin) & requests that anyone interacting with her (especially indoors) wears a mask. Ideally if they're to spend more than a few minutes together, people would also test for SARS-CoV-2 ahead of time (she has some spare tests if people need some). She and Kevin had been isolating since early 2020 to avoid SARS-CoV-2 and managed to do it so far, she'd hate to catch it now (does not need one more difficult thing in her life). Laurel also can be, thanks to probable autism along with her other diagnoses, a bit picky about food. Gift cards for restaurants & groceries are more helpful then having food dropped off (feel free to talk to her in advance). She also has limited space in her tiny fridge/freezer. (Offers are very much appreciated. And if you can't donate gift cards/money, she'd love to hear your recs for easy to heat up pre-made food items or cool recipes.)