A Mother’s Plea for Her Son’s Smile
My name is Erica, and I’m a single mother doing my very best to raise my 11-year-old son, Eric. For the past 11 years, it’s just been the two of us. His father walked away, leaving us behind without any financial or emotional support. Since then, I’ve been carrying everything on my own—emotionally, physically, and financially.
Eric is my entire world. He’s the kind of boy who still kisses me goodnight, who holds the door open for others, and who tries to stay strong because he sees how hard I work. But lately, I’ve seen something in him that I hadn’t seen before: insecurity. Eric needs braces, and he’s becoming more and more self-conscious about his teeth. He tries to hide his smile in pictures now. And it absolutely breaks my heart.
I work full-time and have even applied for a second job, but the math just doesn’t add up. Getting a second job would mean pulling Eric out of the few extracurricular activities he loves—his safe spaces, his joy—because I wouldn’t be able to take him or pick him up. I already carry guilt for the things I can’t give him, and taking away the few things that make him happy feels unbearable.
Asking for help is hard. I’ve always prided myself on pushing through, on being strong for my son. But this time, I need to set my pride aside and open my heart. I started this fundraiser because Eric deserves to smile with confidence. He deserves to walk into middle school without worrying about being teased or feeling “less than” because of something we just can’t afford right now.
If you’ve made it this far—thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Whether you donate, share, or simply send us your prayers, I am deeply grateful. Your kindness means more than I can put into words. You’re helping more than just a smile—you’re helping a little boy feel like he matters.
Life has been heavy lately, and I am tired. But I keep going because of Eric. And maybe—just maybe—with the help of kind strangers like you, things can get a little lighter.
With all my heart,
Erica & Eric
May blessings find you, as you’ve found us.
