I have always been a big proponent of neo-tribalism: my tribe takes care of its tribe, and I know when I need my tribe, my tribe will take care of me. This is a more expansive concept than 'family,' and a much more loosely defined one. My tribe are the geeks, the progressives, the dog lovers, the parents, and most loosely, my tribe is simply the human race.
Over the years, I have seen this principal at work to amazing effect. Networks of people have come together to do everything from buying a new computer for a struggling author (who has since sold the first book written on that computer, and a series of books to follow) to moving pets from one place to another when people have lost their homes or otherwise been unable to care (temporarily or permanently) for those animals.
And now - I hope this is not inappropriate, I can't see anywhere that says it would be, so someone please help me if it is - I am asking for help for one of my tribe from the larger tribe.
She would probably be - not upset, but reticent - that I am doing this for her. She doesn't like to ask anyone for money, but she's in a situation now where she is not able to do everything that she needs to do without some outside assistance.
Having just graduated from college, with loans to repay and no employment on the horizon... last night, she lost her father. No one really knows why he passed, though (at age 50) he had been a life-long smoker and was living with Parkinson's. He was found by one of her cousins.
She needs to be able to afford to fly from FL to CA, have money to live on while she settles her father's estate, pay for the burial, and potentially arrange for some sort of transport for her father's dog.
I would very much like to be able to give her more than what I can give her - we are well-enough off but I am unable to give her as much as I would like to be able to give her.
I'm not sure if putting out a request here for assistance is appropriate, so could someone tell me if it is - and if so - what's the best way to go about it? She means a great deal to me and I would very much like to be able to assure she can do this without having to worry.
Thanks.