MaLinda’s Love and in lieu of Flowers

On Friday, October 25, 2019, I got the call I never expected: Alan Fernandes - my brother-in-law, had passed away swiftly and unexpectedly. My sister, MaLinda, is left wondering not only how to grieve the loss of her soulmate, but also pondering how to survive financially as she returns to the States. MaLinda’s sole source of support has been Alan’s pension and disability income and her own caretaker allowance. Those are now gone. In November 2005, MaLinda trusted her heart and moved to England to be with Alan. She leaped across the pond, having met Alan playing an online game, and she found her soulmate. Their love was a testament to today’s small global community. Over the years, they saw many highs (many exquisite holidays) and some deep lows (Alan’s prolonged illness and MaLinda’s own recent stroke) - as we all do. Through it all, their love persisted - giving meaning to “in sickness and in health.” Over the past couple years, MaLinda dedicated her life to caring for Alan after his diagnosis with vascular dementia. She accepted that she could not visit the States because Alan needed her there 24/7. This past summer, MaLinda suffered a major stroke, but resisted seeking help for days because “I can’t leave Alan”. Now, MaLinda is left to come home to the States without her soulmate and with no way to survive in the short term without help from her family and friends. She will need regular medical care for her long term stroke treatment, housing, food, transportation, etc. I used to be in a position that I could help, but my life collapsed financially a few years back, so, I am starting this campaign to raise money to help my sister. My cheeky brother-in-law gave life to my sister, and I will always be grateful to him for that.