Literal Starving Artist

To whom it may concern,

My name is David Johnson, and I would first like to express my profound gratitude for everything I have and all the help I have received from my family and friends thus far. Without their support, I'm not sure where I'd be. In light of that, I'd like to quickly outline my situation so that we're all aware of why I am asking for help.

To save time, I will begin my story about 15 years ago. At that time, my 30s were creeping up on me. I had finally kicked a nasty drinking problem by admitting I was an alcoholic a year prior and was in a great relationship with a girl who was much too good for me in every imaginable way.

So, I was happy, sober, and thought I had really figured out this thing called life. Thinking that I knew it all was probably my biggest mistake. If my past struggles with addiction and alcoholism had taught me anything, it was that my best thinking got me into some really crummy situations.

One day, my girlfriend was having a few friends over for some wine. Being a big NON-drinker, I told her I'd make other plans so that I wouldn't be tempted. I went to a buddy's house to smoke some weed. Turns out this buddy was not only smoking weed but also had some foil out and was smoking something I did not recognize. I asked him what it was, and he said it was heroin and held out the foil towards me so that I could try it. I thought, 'well, at least I'm not drinking'.

Fifteen years later, after struggling hard with my heroin addiction, losing everything multiple times (including apartments, friends, girlfriends & possessions), I found myself in the back of a police car facing 25 years for a couple of felony trafficking stolen property charges and a few possession of narcotics charges. As I sat in the detective's car after the sting he initiated to arrest me, I wondered how it had gotten so bad.

Well, it's been 5 years since that date, and after 2½ years in jail then prison, as well as 3 years of probation, I can honestly say I don't have to live like that anymore. I've been sober ever since, and while I may not have a lot of friends, the ones I do have are solid.

Unfortunately, no amount of great friendships could help me out of my next obstacle course. Ever since I was released from prison, my health has been on the decline. I have severe chronic neuropathy in my feet, my weight is out of control (I've gained over 150lbs since prison), and as a cherry on top, my anxiety & depression have made holding a steady job impossible. Normal tasks that used to be easy have become next to impossible. Most times, I feel like a shell of the man I used to be. I compare it to a frustrated child unable to tie his own shoes. Sometimes I'm completely coherent and can articulate during a conversation, but then other times I am consumed with so much worry and/or emotion that not only can I not even talk with someone normally but because of the confusion, my mind is flooded with thoughts of hopelessness and self-harm.

At the beginning of my decline, I found a new hobby in acrylic pouring paints. I actually loved it and I was good at it. I have sold multiple paintings and currently still have hundreds of paintings for sale. I would love to continue my craft as I am not able to do much else as far as hobbies go, but sadly, I lack the funds.

My disability case is currently being handled by a lawyer and shows no sign of being resolved sooner than a year's time. I have no more unemployment options as they've depleted. My small savings are gone, and my credit is non-existent. The only reason I'm still alive is because my disabled mother has helped me with what she could by using her credit cards. She is now $15,000 in credit card debt, and I will not be able to survive, let alone help her out until my disability case is approved.

I am asking for a kind-hearted person with the means to assist with either a donation or even a loan. If you can't help financially, please just pray for us, but if you can help, it would mean the world to me.

I hope life has dealt you a hand you can play with. I wouldn't wish these struggles on anyone. Thanks for reading and God bless.

Sincerely,

David Johnson