My name is Tess and this is a request to help my dear friend, Cricket. Not only is Cricket my best friend, she's an amazing mom. Here she is looking incognito:Here's the story: 5-year old Lex (alias used for safety reasons) is having to live a life of upheaval because when his hard-working mom and his abusive dad got divorced, things didn’t get better.Cricket works day and night, she's the hardest working woman I know. When it comes time to take Lex to see his dad, her whole world collapses around her - because, honestly?On so many levels. So. Many. Levels. Though she's used every resource available - police reports, restraining orders, the list goes on - she’s being punished regularly as she is forced to interact with dad during handoffs for visitation. Worse yet, Lex is having to witness these meetings. And it’s turning a world that should be beautiful and care-free for a 5-year-old boy into a world of hurt and misunderstanding. Lex shouldn't have to listen to dad berate, yell and verbally abuse his mother.. There have been trips to the hospital. Hiring of body guards. Court appearances and filing in response to frivolous lawsuits filed by dad. Countless nights crying in the corner because she can’t get all of her work completed and turned in - leading to a fear of losing her job - a job that is the only way she can get the money they need to live, let alone fight back. All of this because trauma she’s still having to suffer – even though the marriage has long been over.Cricket needs our help to keep Lex safe, to continue to work back into her own sanity despite the PTSD dad has caused, and to retain the lawyer who is strong enough to fight for her and Lex's rights - so basic:The funds raised will help Cricket and Lex to be able to have a legal advocate and a safe haven - stopping the cycle of being victimized again and again.Legal help isn't free, even poor help. Domestic violence victims don't get assigned a "public prosecutor." But that's the first thing Cricket and Lex need - Legal help. GOOD legal help.It will make life for him, one that has been anything but, closer to normal. He won’t have to visit with a dad who is guilty of multiple crimes and jail violations. Cricket will finally be able to be the mama Lex needs her to be (she’s already there, but it’s so, so, so hard to be sometimes). He’ll be able to live in a home where there’s nothing but love and nurturing for him without the distractions caused by dad's fear and manipulation.Cricket is a fantastic woman. One I admire for her powerful work ethic, her solid strength, and her loyalty to those she loves. I know because I was shown that loyalty when I had cancer and had to shave my head. Because she shaved hers with me!She’s solid. So strong. So loving. So caring. But Lex needs her to be that way without this extra struggle of living through wars that don’t have to be fought.All I'm asking, in her name, is a small donation that will allow her to afford the legal help she can no longer live without, that she is struggling to make happen for Lex, that she needs to make happen for her 5-year old boy who needs the safe haven she’s trying to give.You can help. Right now. Help by donating what you can and encouraging your friends to give so we can- this will change the world for a little boy who deserves it.Anything you can donate will help assure safety and security - two things I know that I have taken for granted in my life. Even if you donate your morning coffee money...Funds raised will be used to establish a retainer and pay attorney's fees as well as helping Cricket and Lex move into a new, safe residence.Thank you, in advance for your help, support and for spreading the word -Tess