Paid Sick Days and Paid Family Leave for all Americans

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to you today as a supporter of Paid Sick Days and Paid Family Leave. These became extremely important to me in the last 4 years. I was a stay at home mom with 3 wonderful boys active in sports all year around. I never thought of sick days or family leave because I was able to care their needs as a mom.

When I became a single, working mom with 3 boys that all changed. Sick days and Family leave became more valuable then gold! I went back to work in my beloved profession, a preschool teacher. The first year I used all of my sick days because children under 5 have a hard time remembering to cover their coughs or sneezes. As my immunities built up, these days were used for my children.

My middle son Langston got a horrible strand of Strep a few years back. It caused the blood vessels in his legs to swell and he couldn’t walk. Our trip to the doctor was an event, trying to carry a 5’10” boy down the stairs took all the strength I had. He was put on antibiotics for two weeks. He regained use of his legs within a few days but thanks to Paid Sick Days, I was able to stay home to care for him. I have been at my job for 6 years now and have found of all the benefits I receive, Paid Sick Days are at the top of that list.

Being a single mom takes a lot of juggling. Not having to worry about taking care of myself when I’m sick or my children is a comfort that allows me to perform my job stress free. I have been in circumstances where it would have been beneficial to everyone if an employee had sick days, fast food, retail, etc.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and hope that you see the benefit for Paid Sick Days and Paid Family Leave for all Americans and will continue to support these two issues!

Warmly,

Cristina
Oakland, Ca.